Army conference discusses Sahayak, other internal issues

Top army commanders today held extensive deliberations on the army's "internal health" including cases of jawans coming out against the Sahayak system, salary-related discrepancies and rising cases of its personnel approaching courts for grievance redressal.
On the second day of the commanders' conference, an entire gamut of issues relating to Indian Army's human resources were discussed to come out with solutions to some of the major issues.
In the recent months, a number of videos had surfaced where some army jawans were seen voicing their anger over the Sahayak system.
In February, the body of a jawan, Roy Mathew, was found hanging at Deolali Cantonment in Maharashtra after a sting video, which showed him complaining about being made to do household chores of superior officers, went viral.

Days later, a sepoy also posted a video online criticising the Sahayak or buddy system and accused the senior officers of treating them as "slaves".
Sources said almost all issues relating to the Indian Army's internal health were discussed at the commanders conference today.

The commanders discussed rising cases of army personnel knocking at the doors of courts for redressal of their grievances including promotion-related issues.
Issues relating to Seventh Pay Commission and Non- Functional Upgrade (NFU) also figured during the deliberations. There has been demand for implementing NFU in the armed forces.
Under the NFU scheme, officers in central group A category get automatic time-bound pay promotions. Pay hike under NFU scheme are independent of organisational requirements and vacancy.

The conference also discussed grievances of the ex- servicemen relating to Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme and explored ways to redress them.
The annual commanders' conference, which began yesterday, takes decision on based on consensus.
IAF Chief B S Dhanoa, addressing the conference, talked about future challenges and tri-service cooperation.