Rajnath Singh says; govt focused on enhancing combat capability, ensuring welfare of soldiers

New Delhi : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the government is focused on enhancing combat capability and ensuring the welfare of soldiers in the country.

The Army Commanders’ Conference, an apex level biannual event, is being held in New Delhi from October 25-28, 2021. During the event, the Indian Army’s apex leadership is comprehensively deliberating upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, situations along the borders and in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus, an official release by the Ministry of Defence said.
Singh said, “The Government is focused on enhancing combat capability and ensuring welfare of soldiers. The Policy of Atmanirbhar Bharat is a big step towards self-reliance in defence which offers a great opportunity to the Indian defence industry to meet the future requirements of the Armed Forces.”

He applauded the Indian Army for working towards this goal and remarked that in 2020-2021, in keeping with the Atmanirbhar Bharat, 74 per cent of contracts by the Army were awarded to Indian Vendors which is praiseworthy. “There are no budgetary constraints for capability development and meeting other requirements of the Army”, he said.

Singh remarked that the decision to grant permanent commission to women officers in the Army is another significant decision that will ensure equal opportunities for professional growth to all officers irrespective of their gender.

Union Minister remarked that the recent corporation of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is a historic step and has been accepted by all stakeholders which will enhance their efficiency and accountability. He said, “The government is committed in every manner towards the veterans and the next of kin of all categories of battle casualities. I have full confidence in the senior military leadership. The nation is proud of its Army and the Government is committed to facilitating the Army in their forward movement, on road to reforms and capability developments.”

Singh said, “The Army is omnipresent in all domains from Security, HADR, Medical Assistance to maintaining the stable internal situation in the country. The role of Indian Army is very important in Nation-building as also in the overall national development”.

Referring to the situation along the Western borders, he complimented the Indian Army’s response to cross border terrorism. Singh said “I compliment the excellent synergy between the CAPF/ Police forces and the Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is getting the region to a stable and peaceful environment conducive for overall growth and development.”