(a) whether the Government proposes to allow private firms to manage and operate all the Army Base Workshops (ABWs);
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken to enhance combat capability and rebalance the defence expenditure of the armed forces?
A N S W E R
MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
(a) to (c): The Government had constituted a Committee of Experts (CoE) to study and recommend measures to enhance combat capabilities and re-balance defence expenditure. Based on the recommendations of the Committee in respect of Army Base Workshops (ABWs), the Government has approved operation of 8 Army Base Workshops (ABWs) on Government Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) model.
Some of the other major recommendations made by the Committee for enhancement of combat capabilities and rebalancing of defence expenditure, which have been approved for implementation, inter-alia include optimization of Signals Establishments, restructuring of repair echelons in the Army, restructuring and redeployment of Ordnance echelons, Supply and Transportation echelons, Animal Transport Units, Closure of Military Farms and Army Postal Establishments in peace locations, etc.
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