Away from home, troops fall for extra-marital affairs?

Denial of leave to army personnel, including officers and soldiers, may tempt them to have extra-marital affairs and in extreme cases, they may also resort to misbehaviour and flirting, an army study has said.

In its study Roadmap to promote dignity of women and care for girl child in army, the Jodhpur-based 12 Konark Corps has recommended that "grant of leave at regular intervals coupled with adequate training and self-discipline" can help in managing the "negative vibes" in them.

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"Many peculiarities of military life include remaining separated from wife. Delays in going home or denial of leave may tempt a soldier to get into an extra-marital affair. An extreme case may also be flirting or misbehaving," the study said.

The study, which primarily focuses on the empowerment of women and girl child, has recommended that "exemplary punishments" should be given to those who in any way are adversely affecting women.

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"The Commanding Officers of the units should ensure that any incident occurring and affecting women or girl child should be reported and action should be taken against offenders. No leniency should be shown towards such people," it said.

The 12 Corps headed by Lieutenant General MMS Rai had commissioned the study in March this year under the Ahmedabad-based 11 Infantry Division. All the units of the formation have been asked to follow the recommendations.

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The study identifies several types of violence that women may face at work place or at home, including sexual violence, girl child labour and dowry-related violence.

Having extra marital affairs in the armed forces is considered a punishable offence.

In the recent past, Defence Minister A K Antony had dismissed a navy officer who allegedly had an affair with his fellow officer's wife.

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