Can a political party promise jobs in Indian Army and paramilitary forces in election manifesto?

GUWAHATI: The United People's Party-Liberal (UPPL) promise to facilitate recruitment of surrendered National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) cadres in defence forces has raised many a eyebrow as far as the promise to recruit in Indian Army is concerned.

UPPL chief Pramod Boro yesterday released the party ‘Vision Document’ ahead of state assembly elections, that the party is contesting in alliance with the ruling BJP and the Asom Gana Parishad, in which the party promised jobs in military and paramilitary forces to the former rebels.

"As per provisions of the Bodo Accord signed with the Centre as well as Assam governments, surrendered cadres of NDFB and other Bodo militant organisations will be provided jobs in army and paramilitary forces according to their ranks," the vision document reads.

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According to those in the know of things as far as defence recruitment is concerned, the commitment was in violation of the stipulated rules for a political party. Moreover, the UPPL is only a regional party.

Contacted by InsideNE to ask if a political party can promise to facilitate recruitment to army and paramilitary forces, defence and army officials have not reacted officially. But, according to reliable sources and retired senior officials of the Army said that Army has a separate director general for recruitment, and recruitment is based purely on individual’s capability and performance. No one can influence but only the individual himself with merit.

InsideNE is waiting for official reaction from the Indian army. But, the biggest question is, can a political party promise jobs in Indian Army and paramilitary forces in an election manifesto?

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Is it clearly mentioned in government policy that a political party can promise on behalf of Indian Army to recruit to jobs?

Is the Indian Army too reduced to the stature of the social welfare, health, police etc which come under the purview of state policy? Did the UPPL have a clear understanding with the Indian Army before listing it in their election manifesto?

InsideNE will appreciate Indian Army's response for its readers' understanding on whether the UPPL can do so on behalf of the Army.