The statistics paint an even grim picture, between 2000 and
2023, over 1,800 corruption cases were recorded within Indian Armed Forces. The
Indian Army alone reported more than 1,080 cases from 2013 to 2022,
underscoring the pervasive nature of the problem across all ist branches. Such
figures are not mere numbers but indicators of deep-rooted challenges that
undermine the very fabric of an institution tasked with defending the nation’s
sovereignty and security.
Among the most infamous scandals is the Sukna Land scam of
2008, where senior generals of Indian Armed Forces were implicated in an
illegal land transfer near the Sukna Military Base. That scandal not only
tarnished the reputation of those involved but also sparked a national debate
on the ethical standards, expected out of military leaders. The subsequent
fallout from scandals involving procurement irregularities and recruitment
bribery further eroded public trust besides raising serious questions about the
accountability within the ranks and file of Armed Forces.
Another scam got surfaced in 2010, namely Adarsh Housing
Society Scam, including top military leaders, politicians, and
bureaucrats, who were reportedly scheming to acquire Mumbai properties for war
widows and veterans. However, at the end of the day, flats were given to
powerful people only, which sparked public outrage over the mismanagement of
military lands and resources.
In a similar episode in 2012, concerns were raised that top
Army officials were found involved in irregularities in the acquisition of
Tatra trucks, which were meant to transport troops and equipment. The affair
sparked questions about inflated pricing and bribes in defence acquisition.
Similarly, in 2013, a bribery scandal erupted in which a Lieutenant General was
accused of accepting payments for influencing various Army appointments. The
controversy highlighted flaws in the promotion system besides raising questions
about top officials’ ethical standards.
The Canteen Stores Department (CSD) Scam in 2020 exposed
anomalies and mismanagement in the CSD that sells items on discounted rates to
military troops. Allegations included inflated pricing, bribes, and favoritism
in supplier contracts thus harming the welfare of active and retired staff.
Furthermore, investigations carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigations
(CBI) in respects of recruiting scams and financial malpractices have exposed
systemic flaws in the military’s internal checks and balance system. The
revelation that 17 Army officers were involved in a bribery scandal to
influence selection procedures is a sobering reminder of how ethical failings
may jeopardize the integrity of military operations and personnel management.
Former Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor’s term was tarnished
by charges ranging from financial mismanagement to procurement favoritism,
showing flaws in leadership control. Such examples not only highlight
shortcomings in governance.
In addition to above-mentioned scandals, during the Kargil
War in 1999, India received widespread condemnation for a corruption scandal
involving suspected payments in the purchasing of coffins for dead troops.
Investigations revealed that Indian Government paid exorbitant amounts for
coffins, causing public uproar and creating severe concerns about openness and
accountability in defence expenditure. The affair highlighted India’s
susceptibility to corruption in important national security concerns, undermining
its reputation.
Corruption in the military is not a result of individual
instances, but rather a reflection of larger systemic flaws. The lack of severe
control, along with opaque decision-making procedures, creates an environment
conducive to misbehavior. Aside from such high-profile scandals, there have
been other cases of financial mismanagement, embezzlement, and other sorts of
corruption that have impacted the military’s reputation. From embezzling
billions in procurement funding to unlawfully selling guns, these crimes
not only breach public confidence, but also risk national security by eroding
force discipline and morale. Indian Armed Forces need to reset their moral and
ethical compass on prior basis.
Courtesy: South Asia Journal
