The Indian Army has initiated a new program urging soldiers to participate in community service projects while on leave, as part of a wider strategy aimed at “nation-building.”
Effective this month, all Army units across India will be mandated to submit quarterly updates on the execution of this initiative.
The new guidelines were formally communicated in a May letter from the Ceremonials and Welfare Directorate at the Army Headquarters to all Command Headquarters. The communication underscores the value of soldiers allocating part of their leave for social service activities, which are specified in an attached annexure.
While acknowledging that the primary reason for leave is personal time and family interaction, the directive stresses the opportunity for soldiers to make a positive impact within their local communities during these periods. Soldiers are advised to choose a specific area of interest and expertise, which aligns with their skills and background, mostly rural, to benefit the wider community.
To support this initiative, the Army will equip “soldier ambassadors” with organized content and literature, aiming for meaningful community engagement.
Implementation begins immediately, with quarterly assessments set to commence in September 2023. The Army Training Command in Shimla is in the process of creating resource materials covering diverse subjects, which soldiers can take along during their leave for community service activities.
The Army’s recommended areas of community engagement cover a range of social programs, such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan, and Ayushman Bharat Yojana, among others. Soldiers may also inform local communities about various insurance schemes like the National Pension Scheme, livestock insurance, and other welfare initiatives.
