Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Governance, Government policies, Issues arising out of their design & implementation
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Indian Defence University
– Armed forces
– Strengthening hardpower
Context
The article discusses the necessity of establishing the Indian Defence University
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 6th May 2024
It is time to operationalise the Indian Defence University
“A nation which makes a distinction between its scholars and its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools” – Thucydides, Greek scholar
Thucydides once remarked on the peril of separating scholars and warriors, highlighting the importance of integrating academic rigor with military prowess. This sentiment resonates in the establishment of defense universities by various nations, aiming to cultivate strategic thinking within their armed forces. However, India’s lack of an Indian Defense University (IDU) raises concerns in the context of evolving security challenges and the need for professional military education.
Challenges in Military Academics
- Fragmented Education System: India’s military education landscape comprises disparate institutions without a unified framework for professional military education.
- Lack of Interdisciplinary Approach: Current institutions primarily emphasize technical and operational aspects, overlooking the interdisciplinary nature of modern warfare and strategic thinking.
- Insufficient Academic Rigour: Many existing military training establishments lack the necessary academic depth to adequately address contemporary security challenges.
- Limited Civil-Military Integration: A gap exists between military and civilian expertise, impeding comprehensive strategic planning and decision-making.
- Slow Progress in Establishing IDU: Despite receiving initial approval in 2010, the establishment of the Indian Defence University (IDU) has encountered delays, prolonging the absence of a centralized institution for higher military education.
- Resource Allocation: Adequate allocation of resources, including funding and qualified faculty, poses a significant challenge in establishing and sustaining a comprehensive defence university like IDU.
Significance of Indian Defence University (IDU)
- Addressing Complex Security Challenges:
- In today’s dynamic security environment, characterized by rapidly changing circumstances and evolving threats, a well-established Defence University like IDU would play a crucial role in preparing military officers to effectively address complex security challenges.
- By providing a comprehensive Professional Military Education (PME) continuum, it would empower officers to adapt to varying assignments and increasing responsibilities over their careers.
- Learning from Global Models:
- Observing the success of defence universities in other countries, such as the United States, Pakistan, and China, underscores the importance of such institutions in promoting academic rigor and strategic thinking within armed forces.
- These universities have contributed significantly to enhancing the professionalism and effectiveness of their respective military establishments.
- Long-standing Need:
- The idea of establishing an Indian Defence University has been under consideration for several decades, with various committees and reports highlighting its necessity.
- However, progress in its establishment has been slow, despite recognizing its importance, especially in the aftermath of significant events like the Kargil conflict.
- Filling Education Gaps:
- While India boasts several world-class training and education institutions run by its armed forces, there remains a gap in having an overarching integrated PME framework and a multi-disciplinary approach to strategic thinking.
- IDU would address these shortcomings by providing a central institution focused on higher military learning, led by a qualified faculty comprising academicians and experienced military and civil service personnel.
- Enhancing Defence Preparedness:
- Operationalizing IDU is crucial for:
- enhancing defence preparedness
- fostering a strategic culture
- and promoting inter-service integration.
- Operationalizing IDU is crucial for:
It would serve as a cornerstone for joint warfighting efforts by laying the foundation for a well-calibrated and futuristic military education curriculum tailored to India’s defence requirements.
Various committee recommendations for IDU
- The need for IDU was recognized shortly after independence, when in 1967, the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) proposed the establishment of a Defence Services University.
- A Study Group formed by the COSC in 1982 underscored the necessity of creating a supreme educational body.
- It stressed the necessity of establishing a top-tier educational institution for the armed forces in the form of an Indian Defence University (IDU).
- Two decades later, following the Kargil conflict, a committee chaired by Dr. K. Subrahmanyam was formed to address this matter.
- Based on its recommendations, tentative approval was granted in May 2010 for the establishment of the IDU in Gurgaon.
Despite optimistic reports in 2017-18, progress towards establishing the IDU has been delayed.
Conclusion
The absence of the Indian Defense University is a critical gap in India’s defense preparedness and strategic culture. As the nature of warfare evolves, the integration of academic excellence with military proficiency becomes imperative. The establishment of the IDU is not merely an idea whose time has come; it is a strategic imperative for India’s defense establishment to enhance its capabilities and readiness for future challenges.
Related Topics
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU)
- Government set up a national police university named Rashtriya Raksha University by upgrading the Raksha Shakti University which was established by the Government of Gujarat in 2010.
- The University, which is an Institution of National Importance, commenced its operations from 1st October, 2020.
- It was set up to meet the need for high quality trained manpower in various wings of policing, criminal justice and correctional administration.
- Functions:
- The University will develop synergies with the private sector by leveraging knowledge and resources from the industry .
- It would also set up Centres of Excellence in various fields relating to police and security.
- It offers academic programs from diploma to doctorate level in various areas of policing and internal security such as police science and management, criminal law and justice, cyber psychology, information technology, artificial intelligence and cyber security, crime investigation, strategic languages, internal defence and strategies, physical education and sports, coastal and maritime security.
References
Related PYQ
Should the premier institutes like IITs/IIMs be allowed to retain premier status, allowed more academic independence in designing courses and also decide mode/criteria of selection of students. Discuss in light of the growing challenges. [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2014]
Practice Question
Discuss the significance of establishing the Indian Defense University (IDU) in the context of India’s defense preparedness [150 words]