The Hindu : National : Better deal for jawans

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Wednesday, Aug 15, 2007
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National

Better deal for jawans

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: On the eve of Independence Day, Defence Minister A. K. Antony announced several measures to ensure an improvement in the living conditions of jawans serving in far-flung areas.

As the inadequate and poor quality of rations has been a perennial complaint of jawans, the measures are aimed at addressing the shortcomings in these areas.

Based on the recommendations of the Army, Mr. Antony issued directions to increase the supply of rice as well as make available different kinds of pulses to the jawans. He has also directed the Army to consult the Tea Board and provide better quality of tea leaves to jawans.

To improve the quality of milk to soldiers posted in the Northern and Eastern Commands, the supply would henceforth be in tetra packs bought from national or State marketing federations. Also the procurement of salt has been decentralised and improved packing standards for edible oil prescribed.

Promotions for women

PTI reports:

Pledging to improve the status of women in the armed forces, Mr. Antony said women officers would now be eligible for promotion to the rank of Captain, Major and Lieutenant Colonel on a par with male short service commissioned officers.

They would now be eligible to attain the rank of Captain after two years, Major after six years and Lt. Colonel after 13 years. He said that to ensure equitable distribution of work, the tenure of training of women officers had been raised to 49 weeks, almost equivalent in term to their male counterparts.

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