COMPLAINTS BOX FOR SOLDIERS

A grievance box will be installed where the soldiers can write to the Army chief The Army chief said that grievances should not be put on social media

New Delhi: In the light of an Army jawan complaining on social media about certain tasks, and paramilitary personnel airing their grievances, Army chief Gen. Bipin Rawat announced that he was putting in place a “COAS suggestion cum grievance box” at the Army headquarters for soldiers.

In the light of an Army jawan complaining on social media about certain tasks of a ‘Sahayak’ or “buddy” (referred to by some earlier in the Army as an orderly) and the worrying trend of paramilitary and Army soldiers taking to social media to air their grievances, newly-appointed Army chief (COAS) Gen. Bipin Rawat on Friday announced that he is putting in place a “COAS suggestion cum grievance box” at the Army headquarters.

Throught this box, soldiers can write to him about any grievances.

The idea will also be put in place at the level of all formations subsequently, he said at an annual interaction in the Capital ahead of Army Day that falls on Sunday.

However, soldiers/officers will need to disclose their identity while making the grievance but Gen. Rawat assured that the system in place would ensure their identities are not leaked.

Two or three officers will be tasked with maintaining a confidential register. The drop box will be sealed and sent to the chief so that only he can look into the grievances.