This is a kind of recruitment into the armed forces which could be voluntary or otherwise for the time being. The term has been used in more than sixty nations to enhance their national security in addition to having further social cooperation. Conscription has also been of importance in most important nations with both merits and demerits. As an essential of the Israeli Defense Forces, Israel has benefited from conscription, its ability to address security threats effectively while fostering national unityis through recruiting conscripts. South Korea used conscripts to maintain a strong army in ongoing tensions with North Korea,Greece uses it to redress social and economic issues, South Korea has made it obligatory to every young man at least of 18years to attend military training, Ukraine has occupied youth as conscripts in Ukraine Russia War.
But conscription also seems high-quality disadvantages including proscribed people’s rights, interruption in schooling and employment, as well as increasing the risk of dehumanizing remedies, loss of emotional attachment to families, in forcing to kill other humans, rise of practicality, possibilities of rise in injuries, harsh treatments and exploitation also.
Some countries in world rethought to abort its practices in order to avoid loss to humanity. In the USA, compulsory navy service was abolished in 1973 and it opted for an all-voluntary system instead. Military conscription was abandoned by many European countries in an attempt to shift towards volunteer armies and increased professionalization of the defense forces. India never has had any system of conscription or mandatory military service. In fact, if we look at the demography of India’s large youth populace and absolutely the regionalism issues, implementing such a policy could lead to problems at the micro and macro levels. Indian government relies on voluntary military recruitment, emphasizing professionalism and commitment.
In all, it may be seen that conscription has its ‘pros’ and ‘cons’. While it has been implemented in some countries such as Singapore, Finland, and others, it comes with certain disadvantages. The nations, including India, should think a lot about conscription so as not to harm or infringe any rights of people. Such substitutes like compulsory military service, however, may turn out to be better in the protection of national protection and liberty for the man or woman. Otherwise, in sensitive situations, ‘conscientious objectors’ can be requestedto assist the government.
The final argument is that conscription should only be implemented in situations, when there falls an urgency and the country may request citizens to act voluntarily.
First Writer- Ms. Simran Jeet Kaur
B.A. Hons. (English), 3rd Semester
(Roll Number: – 23/SMEH/BA(ENG)/046)
Department of English, School of Media Studies and Humanities
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad
Second Writer- Dr. Mouli Chowdhury
Assistant Professor, Department of English, School of Media Studies and Humanities
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad