Following the tragic incident at Elphinstone Bridge, it was announced that army engineers would be used to construct three railway footbridges in Mumbai.
The practice of diversion of the armed forces for routine civilian tasks has some long-term costs for the government.
What is the deviation from the usual norm?
This is not the first time the army has been used for civilian tasks.
The army engineers had made temporary structures (pontoon bridges) during the Kumbh mela and other such large public gatherings.
They had been employed to restore communication in inaccessible areas after natural disasters.
However, the case with Mumbai at present is different.
Notably, it is not a remote area where civilian agencies are unavailable.
Considerably, the Railways in Mumbai have enough engineering resources, technical expertise, funds and experience in constructing such a bridge.
Even private infrastructure creation agencies are available in Mumbai.
Also, unlike the temporary bridges made during public gatherings, the proposed ones are permanent infrastructures.
Given the significant deviations from the norm, a democratic government still considers it right to employ soldiers in the manner it deems fit.
Why is it not advisable?
The practice essentially violates a fundamental principle of a modern military that during peace-time, it must be left free to prepare for war.
Civilian Institutions - The government must realise the institutional dangers inherent in employing soldiers in non-emergency civilian duties.
Such employment is an acknowledgement of the civilian institutional failure to the larger public.
Relying on this alternative, consequently, prevents considering the ultimate need for the assessment of shortfalls in civilian institutions.
Substitute - It holds potential negative consequences for the delicate balance of civil-military relations, if extended to other spheres of governance.
It reinforces the belief that the army can provide an effective substitute.
A recent survey shows that 53% of Indians believe that military rule would be a good thing; with more younger people supporting this idea.
This attitude among the civilian population has long-term costs for the stability of the country.
E.g. In 1953, following the riots against Ahmadiyyas, martial law was imposed in Lahore.
After bringing the law and order situation under control, the Pakistan army proceeded to launch the "Cleaner Lahore Campaign".
This initiative created a trust on army's efficiency among the public and this ultimately reinforced army's ability to restore a situation caused by the failure of civil administration.
