Only 1% of Allotted Govt Vacancies to ESMs are Filled by Them

Ex-Servicemen (ESM) benefit from relaxed criteria regarding age, educational qualifications, medical standards and interview for government jobs. Departments may further modify these requirements at their discretion, suggesting that transitioning into a government role would be seamless for ESMs who are highly qualified and ethically upright. Surprisingly, this is not the reality.

In 2022-23, 77,273 government positions were reserved specifically for ex-servicemen (ESM) across various sectors. However, less than 1% of these positions were filled, with most placements going to Navy and Air Force veterans.

Why are these positions not filled up by ESMs? 

Some Background...

Every year, roughly 75,000 veterans from the Indian Armed Forces – Army, Navy, and Air Force – transition to civilian life. Most are between 35 and 45, with experience and burdened with family responsibilities. Disciplined and ethical, they are the kind of individuals who can uphold the highest standards in these government jobs. 

Around 75% of the retiring veterans look for second career and Centra/State government jobs are their preferred choice. 

Why reserved vacancies are not filled up?

One of the survey with ESM highlights 4 key hurdles in securing these government jobs:

• Subpar Coaching: The quality of exam coaching from local centers is inconsistent and frequently inadequate. 
• Lack of Awareness: Many ESM personnel are unaware of government job openings at various levels.
• Inadequate Transition Training: Preparation for civilian careers after military service is insufficient.
• Digital Divide: ESM often lack the necessary computer skills, especially for online government exams featuring multiple-choice questions in a time-bound format.

What is AWPO & DGR doing about this? 

To address these challenges, AWPO partnered with Developing Success to create the FORCE Course (Focus cum Oriented Recruitment Coaching for ESM). This intensive four-month program tailors training specifically for ESM personnel nearing retirement. The pilot program launched at the MADRAS Regimental Centre in September 2017 and received positive feedback.

So far, 44 courses have been conducted across 14 Regimental centers and three formations, training over 1,074 ESM personnel. The program boasts a remarkable 44% success rate in securing government jobs.

FaujiBeats Observations:

1. While the FORCE Course results are impressive, the number of participants remains a fraction of the annual number of retirees. It's a commendable start, but significant progress is required to fully leverage the potential of our veterans.
2. It is noted that the DOEACC CCC, a basic computer course, is available at all Regimental Centres for retiring pensioners to enhance their skills, primarily teaching basics of web surfing. Although this course meets the educational requirements for government jobs, it does not fully prepare individuals for online format of these examinations.
3. We reviewed the list of courses on the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) website and found no courses specifically designed to prepare them for these exams. ESMs should receive training on the general format of these government exams in the last two years before retirement. There are private institute who specifically run courses for govt job preparation. DGR can tie-up with them.
4. We looked at the current listing of vacancies on DGR website. They are sourcing information of govt and PSU jobs from Employment News but they have not listed any state government jobs. Communication needs to be strengthened between state governments and the DGR, and utilize KSB and ZSB more effectively for this purpose.
5. ESMs need to constantly visit DGR website to learn about the available vacancies. There needs to be a mechanism where ESMs can subsribe to job posting and they get regular alert of these jobs as soon as they are posted.
6. We also found that the DGR website is not mobile-friendly, which is a significant barrier since 95% of the time, ESMs (like most people today) access websites via mobile devices due to limited desktop access. It is imperative that the DGR website be updated to be more mobile-friendly, or alternatively, that DGR develops a dedicated app for job notifications.

In the end...

The presence of ESM personnel in government roles not only fills vacancies but also injects much-needed integrity, potentially driving significant societal changes. There's immense, untapped potential here. 

With better guidance, resources and improved co-ordination between various agencies responsible for ESMs, our veterans can excel in government roles, making a profound impact not only in their jobs but across the social fabric of our nation.

Jai Hind!

Do you know what happens to the other 99% of vacant posts that remain unfilled by ESMs? Stay connected to know!