National Service- How can this be amended or improved further to alleviate the problem of dodging?

The problem of the NS dodging is getting more common and serious now. NS dodgers are viewing it as a waste of time and hindrance to their life and future plans. We have to tackle this problem as soon as possible before it worsens.

I think the main reason why people in the first place dislike serving the NS is because they do not understand the need to do so. Explanations saying that it would boost our country's defense, helping to keep one fit and also to be exposed to greater experiences and interactions are ignored by these NS dodgers. Furthermore, many are influenced by their peers' complaints and dreadful thoughts about NS, developing in them an aversion towards serving NS. It is somewhat like a widespread cycle where the 'aversion towards NS' virus spreads around the people. Some others find it a hindrance to their future plans such as studying overseas or pursuing a higher level of education instead of spending the next 2 years 'camping and marching'. Moreover, we should ask ourselves how they are able to escape. The ones who truly should be punished also are the parents who find ways and every means of 'contacts' that they have in order for their children to escape doing their NS. That attitude alone teaches those children that they can do what ever they want as the parents alone are the ones who are willing to do anything.

Firstly, I suggest that we implement a stricter law towards these NS dodgers. People would hence not risk dodging NS and exposing themselves to an unbearable consequence. However, this method of solving the problem is not the most effective way. Besides that, we need to tackle the root of the problem, which is the ‘aversion towards NS’ virus that I had emphasized above. I suggest that more road shows, talks, or exhibitions be organized to showcase the many benefits and fun that we can achieve from serving the NS. The main targets are not only the people serving the NS, but their parents as well. If even their parents think that serving the NS is also a waste of time, there is almost no way to change the viewpoint of their children already.

I also think that we should give them more benefits if they are actually planning to pursue higher levels of education but it actually clashes with their period of NS. We should promise him some compensation in terms of what the individual is pursuing after the NS and his circumstances. For example, if he is financially challenged, we should help subsidize his study fees. We must show to these individuals that they are not neglected for spending 2 years in NS instead of going to upgrade themselves in terms of education and other areas.

Lastly, I think that we must also implement a law towards the parents who helped their children to dodge NS. It is really unethical of them to do so. Instead of persuading them to accept NS, they actually encourage them to escape. I think that these parents are to be despised. Perhaps the parents themselves cannot bear to part with their children and thinking that NS is too tough for them to handle. I feel that we must assure them of their children’s safety and probably shorten the period of NS or allow them to go back home more frequently.

All in all, we must not only look into solving this problem on the surface but it’s tackling the roots which is crucial.