Question : PROCUREMENT OF DEFENCE COMMODITIES

(a) whether the Government has taken adequate steps to keep morale of defence services at the highest levels, especially those posted in hostile, inaccessible and difficult areas and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has taken note of certain amount of difficulties faced by defence personnel in mountains and high altitude areas and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether snow / high ankle boots, ski mask, snow scooters, food and other basic goods and services in these areas are provided in time and adequately and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether any mechanism exists to intend and procure items / goods of mass use and consumption especially for such areas and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI MANOHAR PARRIKAR)

(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 348 FOR ANSWER ON 20.3.2015

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Government has taken a number of steps to keep the morale high of armed forces personnel posted in difficult and high altitude areas which include providing congenial atmosphere for troops in terms of habitat infrastructure, clothing, special rations, training and acclimatization, special medical care, grant of additional allowances etc.

(c) Soldiers deployed at very high altitude areas, including Siachen Glacier are provided with Special Clothing and Mountaineering Equipment (SCME) which comprises of 55 items. Further, for other high altitude areas, Extreme Cold Climate Clothing & Equipment (ECC&E) is authorised which comprises of 29 items.

(d) In order to fast track procurement of ECC&E (Extreme Cold Climate Clothing and Equipment) and SCME (Special Clothing and Mountaineering Equipment) items, there are Empowered Committees under the chairmanship of MGO (Master General of Ordnance) with full financial powers.