While on the army, Gen VK Singh (who needs no introduction any more) has recommended banning batmen -- or sahayaks -- in the force he heads. His recommendation is favoured by defence minister AK Antony who had promised earlier that he did not want to see soldiers functioning as personal servants of officers. It is little surprise that within the officer cadre of the army, the chief's reform measure is seen as too radical. The navy and the air force do not have such a system.

Read the report on the Telegraph, Calcutta.