Scrapping the Post of Orderlies in the Army
Sahayaks (Orderlies) are combatant soldiers and provide support to officers and JCOs in the Army when serving with units or HQ functioning on War Establishments. Thus there is no separate category of Sahayaks. A Sahayak has clearly defined military duties and forms an integral part of the organisation structure of a unit and has specific functions during war and peace.
The nomenclature was changed from ‘Orderly’ to ‘Sahayak’ in 1983 based on the directions of COAS, when combatants were entrusted the responsibility of supporting the officers.
This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shrimati Wansuk Syiem in Rajya Sabha today.