DISADVANTAGES OF SUBSIDISED ALCOHOL IN THE INDIAN ARMED FORCES

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION MILITARY HISTORY OF ALCOHOL CSD AND SUBSIDY ON ALCOHOL SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE PATTERNS OF CONSUMPTION ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES DISADVANTAGES REMEDIES CONCLUSION
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INTRODUCTION

MILITARY HISTORY AND ALCOHOL

Alcohol introduced as ration in European forces in 19th century. Motivation to join army free liquor, food, wages and excuse to escape poverty.

MILITARY HISTORY AND ALCOHOL

Belief amongst Military Commanders and Doctors on medicinal value of alcohol. Rum as painkiller and medicine for flu. RUM Rationed Unit Medicine ? Commanders used it as a tool for sedation and as a motivation tool to get tough jobs done. An extra pint of Rum as reward for a good job done.
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MILITARY HISTORY AND ALCOHOL

Rum and beer became an integral part of the culture of soldiers on missions abroad. At times to celebrate victory. Songs based on alcohol and women as motivators while on patrol or guarding the trenches. Was equally popular with the Officers and NCOs and helped reinforce the military heirarchy
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CANTEEN STORES DEPARTMENT AND ALCOHOL

CANTEEN STORES DEPARTMENT AND ALCOHOL

Canteen Stores Department established during British times in 1942. Provides stores and liquor at subsidised rates to armed forces personnel. Turnover about 5000 crores. Liquor has been given special status and is dealt with as a separate head. Rare and Expensive liquor is now available in Canteens. 9

CANTEEN STORES DEPARTMENT AND ALCOHOL

Smart Card Grocery and Liquor. Scales of liquor as laid down. Commanders at all levels to ensure liquor is given strictly as per scale. Quota of liquor authorised on leave. Discount varies from 20% to 50% on various brands across India.
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CANTEEN STORES DEPARTMENT AND ALCOHOL

Liquor subsidised by respective State Governments by exemption on excise duty and VAT. Both Rum and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) is subsidised by the State Govt in terms of sales tax exemption Loss of Revenue. The users responsibility to not misuse this facility.
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SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE
As is evident from the History, Alcohol found social acceptance ages ago. Alcohol is the most common beverage served at most times. Parties include Drinks followed by Food.
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SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE
Liquor shopping each month. Stocks available in each house. Occasions such as Rum Punch, Beering etc. Alcohol as a gift.
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PATTERNS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

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PATTERNS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Studies reveal that heavy drinking is more prevalent amongst military men as compared to those outside. Attributable to factors like military culture and lifestyle. Rum Punch, Beering etc. Pay Scales have risen many fold over the years but the cost of liquor has remained virtually constant, hence increased affordability. Being institutionalized in the military culture such people also continue in service for longer.
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PATTERNS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Military life subjects a person to lots of emotional and physical stresses. Alcohol dependency increases. Long duration of separation from families due to inherent nature of the services. Heavy Drinking is mostly found in unmarried, young men especially in the Ranks. Risk twice as high as Civillians.
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PATTERNS OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Consumption patterns differ amongst those married or otherwise. Easy access at subsidised rates is the biggest factor. Drinking is often accompanied by Smoking.
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ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES
Owing to the subsidy on liquor many facts have come to light over the years about its consumption by unauthorised people. Used as gifts for relatives and friends. Remuneration in kind for servants and other civilian population for their services. Used as bribe to get the work done in the civil streets.
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ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES
Drawing of liquor from URCs by unauthorised population. Sale of liquor outside the camp areas in lieu of cash. Import of liquor from neighbouring states because it is sold cheaper. Use of Air Force assets like aircraft for bringing liquor.
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ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES

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ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES

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CASE STUDY
1. A Mi-8 helicopter airborne from Agra to Gorakhpur on 05 Jan 90. 2. Weather enroute was fair, however on reporting 90nms from destination, the vis reported was 1 km with deteriorating trend. 60 nms inbound vis reduced to 500 m. This was below the pilots minima. 3. Pilots continued and reached overhead Gorakhpur at 2000 ft with ground not in contact. Did not divert inspite of sufficient endurance. 4. Requested for radar assisted approach after unsuccessful attempt to land. Radar was turned on after 1:45 hrs. 22

CASE STUDY
5. In zero vis the ac made 2 attempts to land on GCA and finally crashed with a lamp post on the third attempt and caught fire. 6. Crash resulted in fatal injuries to two occupants and burn injuries to others.

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CAUSE
1. Did not divert while sufficient endurance was on board. 2. Bad weather. 3. Poor Decision making. 4. Get-Homitis.

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ACTUAL CAUSE
Bottles of liquor on board for the evening Party which was the primary reason for persisting even in bad weather.
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DISADVANTAGES
Most disadvantages are a fallout of the illegal acts or misuse. Alcohol consumption if moderated will have no disadvantages. Alcohol consumption results in many physiological, psychological and neurological stresses. Various medical disorders.

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DISADVANTAGES
DISTRESSING DREAMS FEELING DISTANT OR CUTOFF AVOIDING SITUATIONS FEELING JUMPY SLEEP DISORDERS INCREASED IRRITABILITY OUTBURSTS OF ANGER HANGOVER
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DISADVANTAGES
UNREFRESHING SLEEP FATIGUE FORGETFULLNESS LOSS OF CONCENTRATION LOSS OR DECREASE IN APETTITE DAMAGE TO VARIOUS ORGANS BREAKDOWN OF CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
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DISADVANTAGES
Violation of rules. Consumption of alcohol while on duty or just prior to duty. Marital disharmony and violence. Alcoholism.
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DISADVANTAGES
Extended parties, resulting in reduced efficiency at work. Drinking and driving. Bottle to throttle timings. Reduced operational preparedness. A tool for subversive activities.
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DISADVANTAGES
A study was conducted by group of medical officers under the DGAFMS from 2001 2003. Studied the problem of alcoholism and alcohol abuse in the Indian Army. Findings were shocking. Of the cases of Alcoholism about 8% were Officers, 27% JCOs and rest ORs.
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REMEDIAL ACTION
Remedies were suggested and marked improvements were noticed in the subjects. Remedies suggested were Motivation, Family therapy, Reduction in stresses, reduced availability of alcohol, group therapy etc.

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REMEDIAL ACTION
Regular steps to control/ moderate alcohol consumption in individuals. Rules and policies to be framed. Subsequently these should be ensured. Need for a comprehensive study amongst all personnel to identify problem areas and suggest remedies.
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REMEDIAL ACTION
Authorised quota of liquor to be reviewed from time to time. Strong security to check smuggling of liquor outside the camp areas. Moral policing to check illegal activities. Severe punishments for defaulters.

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REMEDIAL ACTION
Regular seminars and lectures on various health hazards by Medical Officer. Culturally, social activities to focus on alternative means of entertainment. Access to better facilities for sports and entertainment to our troops. Better communication in terms of mobile, broadband, satellite television etc.
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CONCLUSION
The remedies mentioned above will help curb alcohol dependency of the military society. This will enhance the happiness quotient amongst individuals. Better Utilisation of available time. Towards Better Operational Preparedness.
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QUESTIONS

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