(a) whether the Army had sent a proposal to purchase about 20,000 Bullet-Proof Jackets for soldiers fighting in Jammu and Kashmir in 1999;
(b) whether there is squabble over purchase of Bullet- Proof Jackets among the officials of the Ministry; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and the remedial steps taken or proposed to be taken in regard thereto?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE
FERNANDES)
(a) Yes, Sir. The Army had sent a proposal to purchase
20,000 Bullet Proof Jackets for soldiers fighting in Jammu
and Kashmir in 3rd week of December, 1999. Finalization
of the case has taken some time since Bullet Proof Jacket
is a critical life saving item and due care has to be
taken at every stage to ensure that only such jackets are
procured which fully meet the Technical Specifications and
Performance Parameters prescribed in the General Staff
Qualitative Requirement. Adequate number of Bullet Proof
Jackets is however held with the troops fighting militants
in Jammu and Kashmir and those deployed along the line of
control. The procurement action is at an advanced stage.
(b) No, Sir.
(c) Not applicable in view of reply at (b) above.