What is Sahayak System?
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Sahayaks or buddy system is a system in which a soldier is attached to officers to help them carry out their responsibilities.
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Sahayaks are attached to Officers and Junior Commissioned Officer.
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The duties of Sahayaks include protecting the officers, maintaining their weapons and equipment among others.
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The Sahayak System was evolved during the colonial rule.
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The practice of Sahayak system is codified in the Indian Army.
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An estimated 50,000 sahayaks serve in the Indian Army.
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Indian Air Force and Indian Navy do not have sahayak system.
What is the issue?
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Indian Army is considering doing away with the Sahayak System.
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The Indian Army’s move comes in the wake of rising cases of jawans coming out openly against the Sahayak system.
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Some jawans have accused of being treated as servants by their attached officers.
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The critics point that Sahayak System is liable to be misused, and is demeaning to the soldier.
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However, the army has said that Sahayaks would continue to be deployed in key bases and field areas as these areas will have defined military duties.
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Instead of Sahayaks, employment of civilian staff at peace stations will help the Indian Army in economising on its manpower as well.