Question : Uniform for Soldiers

(a) whether the Government has carried out any study to identify needs for special uniforms for safety of soldiers deployed on borders / field areas in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has decided to procure bullet proof jackets and protective gears / garments for soldiers in a time bound manner;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the procurement is likely to be made; and

(d) whether the Government proposes to frame any policy for periodic review and necessary upgradation in the uniforms of the soldiers and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
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(a) Requirement for special uniforms for safety of soldiers deployed on borders / field areas in the country is assessed regularly and provision for introduction of new items / improved version of existing items is made as per prescribed procedure.

(b) & (c): The Government undertakes procurement of Bullet Proof Jackets (BPJs) and other necessary protective gears / garments for soldiers from time to time as per authorization. During 2016-17, 50,000 BPJs have been procured for Indian Army through Revenue route. Procurement of 1,86,138 BPJs through Capital route, under Buy (Indian) category, is at Ballistic Evaluation Stage. Further, a contract for procurement of 1,58,279 Ballistic Helmet through Capital route has been concluded in December 2016.

(d) Upgradation and provision of improved version of special uniforms is a continuous process for which necessary steps are taken regularly.
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