Question : Supply of Insufficient and Poor Quality Food to CAPF Personnel

(a) whether the Government has recently received complaints regarding

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supply of insufficient and poor quality food to the personnel of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and if so, the details thereof, force-wise including Border Security Force (BSF);

(b) whether any inquiry/probe has been conducted in this regard and if so, the details thereof along with the action taken against the officials involved in such activities;

(c) whether the Government has ordered a CBI inquiry in this regard and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has also received complaints regarding harassment and exploitation of personnel by their senior officers in CAPF and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government in this regard; and

(e) the details of guidelines issued to CAPF regarding calorie intake and quality of foods provided to the personnel of CAPF for their daily requirement along with the other steps taken to monitor the quality of food being served to such personnel and to address their grievances?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a) and (b): As per information received from BSF, a video tape was uploaded in social media regarding poor quality of food in BSF. Senior officers of the Force were deputed to ascertain the facts. A Staff Court of Inquiry (SCOI) has been ordered and to facilitate free and fair inquiry, the officers concerned have since been transferred. The CRPF has also reported two such complaints of poor quality of food along with various
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other grievances. An inquiry into these allegations is underway. With respect to other Paramilitary Forces viz. SSB, ITBP and CISF, no such complaints have been received. All the Forces have a robust grievance redressal mechanism at their end. The Ministry of Home Affairs have reiterated to the Forces to ensure that the officers during their visit to Posts, may check on the aspects of living conditions, clothing, food and equipment and they may also take initiative to get free and frank feedback of the personnel. It has been advised that senior officers may also partake the food prepared for the jawans and endorse a note on the quality/quantity of the food in the inspection register. The Forces have also been advised to review their internal grievances redressal system and take proactive measures to redress the grievances.

(c): No, Madam.

(d): The complaints/grievances regarding harassments/exploitation of personnel by their Senior Officers in CAPFs, if any, received by CAPFs are enquired into and appropriate action as deemed fit are also taken, accordingly.
(e): Each of the Forces follow laid down standards of calories intake and specified ration items as per their approved Manuals including a mechanism of checking of quantity/quality of food. Govt. have reiterated to the Forces for compliance of extant guidelines on the matter.
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