Anand Mahindra offers job for youths who join Army’s proposed Tour of Duty program

Pune, May 17, 2020: Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has supported the Indian Army proposal of ‘Tour of Duty’ wherein youths will be inducted in the army for three years. Mahindra has sent an e-mail to the Army headquarters in this regard.

He has written that “I have come to know that the Army is considering a new proposal of Tour of Duty for the common citizens of the country. Under this, the youth and fit citizens of the country will get an opportunity to get operational experience by joining the army as a soldier or officer on a voluntary basis.”

Mahindra further wrote, “I am sure that when people return to work after getting army training, it will prove to be very beneficial for them. Due to the strict selection and training standards in the Army, the Mahindra Group will be happy to give the opportunity to the Mahindra Group jobs to the youth taking Army training.”

What is the Tour of Duty?
After the implementation of this proposal, the common citizens of the country will get an opportunity to serve in the army for three years. After this, they can choose any other job of their choice. The proposal is part of the Indian Army’s efforts to woo talented youth. Initially, on a trial basis, the Army has proposed to include 100 officers and one thousand other ranks (jawan) soldiers under it.

Youth will be eligible for Combat Role
According to the proposal, youths who join the army for 3 years under ‘Tour of Duty’ will be eligible for Combat Role. There will be no restriction on their use. According to Army sources, a study has been done within the army about this. It has revealed the fact that this will save crores of rupees to the army. Because, youth recruited through this scheme will not get gratuity, pension and leave encashment (leave money) like ordinary soldiers.

You can serve 14 years as an officer through SSC
Currently, the youth are recruited as officers in the army for 10 years through the Short Service Commission (SSC). It can be extended up to 14 years. Apart from this, there is also the option of permanent commission. For the last few years, about 50 percent of the officers recruited through this scheme are being given a permanent commission. Despite this, the top officers of the Army are reviewing the service conditions of the SSC, to make it more attractive to the youth.

Paramilitary soldiers will also be able to join the army
The army is also considering giving paramilitary personnel, central armed police force like CRPF, BSF, ITBP etc, a chance to work in the army for some time. The Indian Army is considering a proposal called the ‘inverse induction model’, under which central paramilitary forces personnel can be given a chance to work in the army for some time.