Army may re-look at ‘sahayak’ system

New Delhi: The Army is examining proposals for a re-look at the prevalent “sahayak”, or personal orderly, system which has stirred controversy after a Rajput Regiment jawan, Lance Naik Yagya Pratap Singh, posted a video on social media alleging that he was made to polish shoes.

“The Army is already looking at certain proposals suggesting changes in the sahayak system, especially in the static Army units and at Army headquarters. At the same time, the current thinking in the Army is to continue with the system,” a source familiar with the development told this newspaper. On Friday, Army Chief Gen. Bipin Rawat had defended the system.

According to another source, the defence ministry has already written to the Army to review the sahayak system and to find out whether jawans working as sahayaks are being used for domestic work. The claim could not be officially verified.

A British legacy, the sahayak system was originally set up to maintain and keep in order weapons, clothing and equipment of the officer to whom the sahayk was attached and also to serve as messengers, radio operators and “buddies” to the officer in times of combat. However, over time, the sahayak’s work profile broadened to involve menial tasks and running domestic errands for his officer’s family.

Termed as “soldier-servants” by the British, the term “batmen” was adopted during the period of the Great Wars. While the system ended in Europe, the British Army continued with it in India and the Indian Army persisted with the system after India’s Independence in 1947.

In October 2008, a parliamentary panel report had termed the sahayak system “demeaning and humiliating”, and as one that has no place in independent India. “The committee hardly needs to stress that soldiers are recruited for serving the nation, and not to serve the family members of officers in household work,” the report said.

On commissioning, an officer above the rank of JCO is assigned one batman each.