Tag: armed forces

  • Rahul Gandhi again advocated ‘Wealth Redistribution’ ‘caste survey’ and ‘Agniveer scheme’ – The Economic Times Video

    Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once again advocated for a caste survey and an economic review to ascertain who possesses how much wealth and asserted that this will be the first task of the INDIA bloc if it is voted to power.Addressing students at “Nyay Manch – Ab India Bolega” in the national capital, Gandhi said an INDIA bloc government will also abolish the Agniveer scheme and compensate the 1.5 lakh youngsters who were selected but not given entry into the armed forces.”What is happening today is that OBCs are being fooled and a lot is being told to them but the main issue of how much wealth is lying with whom is not known,” he added.

  • ‘Discipline is hallmark of Armed Forces’: SC refuses relief to Army man who overstayed leave

    By Express News Service

    Highlighting that discipline is an ‘implicit hallmark’ of the Armed Forces and a ‘non-negotiable condition of service’, the Supreme Court refused to grant relief to an Army driver who had taken excess leave without notice.

    A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Rajesh Bindal observed that gross indiscipline by those serving in the forces cannot be tolerated while noting that the appellant, a former sepoy, appeared to be a habitual offender and had remained out of line for far too long by seeking condonation of his leave.

    The apex court noted that if accepted (the appeal), it would have sent a wrong signal to others in service.

    “Such gross indiscipline on the part of the appellant who was a member of the Armed Forces could not be countenanced. He remained out of line far too often for seeking condonation of his absence of leave, this time, for a prolonged period of 108 days which if accepted, would have sent a wrong signal to others in service,” the order read.

    “One must be mindful of the fact that discipline is the implicit hallmark of the Armed Forces and a non-negotiable condition of service,” it added.

    The Army driver was approaching the top court seeking relief in a February 2015 order passed by the Armed Forces Tribunal Lucknow Regional Bench dismissing him from service.

    The bench observed that the punishment given to him was not that serious compared to his conduct.

    “The punishment of dismissal from service on conviction by Court Martial has been treated as a lesser punishment vis-à-vis the punishment of imprisonment for any period below 14 years … sub-section (4) of Section 120 clearly states that a SCM can pass any sentence as contemplated under the Act,” it was noted.

    “The appellant had been taking too many liberties during his service and despite several punishments awarded to him earlier, ranging from imposition of fine to rigorous imprisonment, he did not mend his ways. This was his sixth infraction for the very same offence. Therefore, he did not deserve any leniency by infliction of a punishment lesser than that which has been awarded to him,” it was noted.

    Highlighting that discipline is an ‘implicit hallmark’ of the Armed Forces and a ‘non-negotiable condition of service’, the Supreme Court refused to grant relief to an Army driver who had taken excess leave without notice.

    A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Rajesh Bindal observed that gross indiscipline by those serving in the forces cannot be tolerated while noting that the appellant, a former sepoy, appeared to be a habitual offender and had remained out of line for far too long by seeking condonation of his leave.

    The apex court noted that if accepted (the appeal), it would have sent a wrong signal to others in service.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “Such gross indiscipline on the part of the appellant who was a member of the Armed Forces could not be countenanced. He remained out of line far too often for seeking condonation of his absence of leave, this time, for a prolonged period of 108 days which if accepted, would have sent a wrong signal to others in service,” the order read.

    “One must be mindful of the fact that discipline is the implicit hallmark of the Armed Forces and a non-negotiable condition of service,” it added.

    The Army driver was approaching the top court seeking relief in a February 2015 order passed by the Armed Forces Tribunal Lucknow Regional Bench dismissing him from service.

    The bench observed that the punishment given to him was not that serious compared to his conduct.

    “The punishment of dismissal from service on conviction by Court Martial has been treated as a lesser punishment vis-à-vis the punishment of imprisonment for any period below 14 years … sub-section (4) of Section 120 clearly states that a SCM can pass any sentence as contemplated under the Act,” it was noted.

    “The appellant had been taking too many liberties during his service and despite several punishments awarded to him earlier, ranging from imposition of fine to rigorous imprisonment, he did not mend his ways. This was his sixth infraction for the very same offence. Therefore, he did not deserve any leniency by infliction of a punishment lesser than that which has been awarded to him,” it was noted.

  • Indian armed forces likely to get their first Integrated Theatre Command in August

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: India’s armed forces are in for their biggest reorganisation since Independence as preparations to roll out the first Integrated Theatre Command (ITC) are in advanced stages. “The Jaipur-headquartered South Western Command (SWC) will be the first theatre command, followed by Lucknow-based Northern Theatre Command,” a defence source said.

    An announcement in this regard is expected to be made on the Independence Day. 

    The South Western Command will initially function as the test-bed ITC in order to iron out the shortcomings and implement the commensurate amendments. The Lucknow-based ITC will be the next in line followed by the Maritime Theatre Command, based out of Karwar in Karnataka, entrusted with the responsibility of the coastal and maritime operations.

    The commands are being worked out as per the concept of ‘One Border One Force.’ The Western Integrated Theatre Command will be responsible for defence and security concerning Pakistan. Lucknow, which currently is the headquarters of the Central Command of the Indian Army, is to become the headquarters of the Northern ITC, having the entire northern border with China under its area of responsibility.

    The proposed ITCs will be created with no liabilities towards the creation of additional posts or ranks, as the structure will be created from the existing command structure of each Service. At present, the three armed forces function with 17 independent commands: Army and Air Force have seven commands each and the Navy has three commands.

    China, in 2016, reorganised its seven military regions into five theatre commands with Indian borders falling into the operational responsibility of its Western Theatre Command. 

    The ITC will reorganise the complete war-waging machinery comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force.  Discussions continue to identify the first Lieutenant General rank officer to be elevated as the first Theatre Commander. The warfighting structure of the Armed Forces is being reorganised into theatre commands with an aim to have the assets of all three forces under one commander responsible for all operations under his theatre.

    According to sources, if the appointment goes by the seniority principle, Lt Gen RP Kalita, commissioned in 1984 and the present GoC-in-C of Kolkata-based Eastern Command, will be the seniormost officer in line for appointment to the post.

    If the continuity of service of an officer in the same place comes into consideration, Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju, the serving SWC Commander, will be chosen. The SWC was formally raised on April 15, 2005, and operationalised on August 15, 2005, at Jaipur Military Station. Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju assumed the charge of SWC on 1 March this year. Lt Gen Raju was commissioned in the Jat Regiment in 1984.

    Once appointed, the retirement age of the Theatre Commander will get pushed to 61 years, sources said. While the Services chiefs including the Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) serve for three years as chiefs or till 62 years of age, whichever is earlier. For all the Lieutenant General rank officers it is fixed at 60 years.

    The major reform at the Higher Defence Management level was initiated with the government forming the Department of Military Affairs in 2019 and General Bipin Rawat appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff. Formulation of the Theatre Command is the mandate of the CDS along with integration and synergy of the armed forces.

    The mandate of the Department of Military Affairs includes the facilitation of restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands. The present plans are the result of the studies entrusted to the Commands of the three services on issues related to the organisation and structures.

    While in the case of the Army South Western Command and Central Command have carried out the study. Central Command of the Air Force and Eastern Command of the Navy have carried out the studies. The theaterisation process was initiated by CDS General Rawat who was killed in an unfortunate accident in December 2021. This led to a delay in the process.

    NEW DELHI: India’s armed forces are in for their biggest reorganisation since Independence as preparations to roll out the first Integrated Theatre Command (ITC) are in advanced stages. “The Jaipur-headquartered South Western Command (SWC) will be the first theatre command, followed by Lucknow-based Northern Theatre Command,” a defence source said.

    An announcement in this regard is expected to be made on the Independence Day. 

    The South Western Command will initially function as the test-bed ITC in order to iron out the shortcomings and implement the commensurate amendments. The Lucknow-based ITC will be the next in line followed by the Maritime Theatre Command, based out of Karwar in Karnataka, entrusted with the responsibility of the coastal and maritime operations.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The commands are being worked out as per the concept of ‘One Border One Force.’ The Western Integrated Theatre Command will be responsible for defence and security concerning Pakistan. Lucknow, which currently is the headquarters of the Central Command of the Indian Army, is to become the headquarters of the Northern ITC, having the entire northern border with China under its area of responsibility.

    The proposed ITCs will be created with no liabilities towards the creation of additional posts or ranks, as the structure will be created from the existing command structure of each Service. At present, the three armed forces function with 17 independent commands: Army and Air Force have seven commands each and the Navy has three commands.

    China, in 2016, reorganised its seven military regions into five theatre commands with Indian borders falling into the operational responsibility of its Western Theatre Command. 

    The ITC will reorganise the complete war-waging machinery comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force.  Discussions continue to identify the first Lieutenant General rank officer to be elevated as the first Theatre Commander. The warfighting structure of the Armed Forces is being reorganised into theatre commands with an aim to have the assets of all three forces under one commander responsible for all operations under his theatre.

    According to sources, if the appointment goes by the seniority principle, Lt Gen RP Kalita, commissioned in 1984 and the present GoC-in-C of Kolkata-based Eastern Command, will be the seniormost officer in line for appointment to the post.

    If the continuity of service of an officer in the same place comes into consideration, Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju, the serving SWC Commander, will be chosen. The SWC was formally raised on April 15, 2005, and operationalised on August 15, 2005, at Jaipur Military Station. Lt Gen Baggavalli Somashekar Raju assumed the charge of SWC on 1 March this year. Lt Gen Raju was commissioned in the Jat Regiment in 1984.

    Once appointed, the retirement age of the Theatre Commander will get pushed to 61 years, sources said. While the Services chiefs including the Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS) serve for three years as chiefs or till 62 years of age, whichever is earlier. For all the Lieutenant General rank officers it is fixed at 60 years.

    The major reform at the Higher Defence Management level was initiated with the government forming the Department of Military Affairs in 2019 and General Bipin Rawat appointed as the Chief of Defence Staff. Formulation of the Theatre Command is the mandate of the CDS along with integration and synergy of the armed forces.

    The mandate of the Department of Military Affairs includes the facilitation of restructuring of Military Commands for optimal utilisation of resources by bringing about jointness in operations, including through the establishment of joint or theatre commands. The present plans are the result of the studies entrusted to the Commands of the three services on issues related to the organisation and structures.

    While in the case of the Army South Western Command and Central Command have carried out the study. Central Command of the Air Force and Eastern Command of the Navy have carried out the studies. The theaterisation process was initiated by CDS General Rawat who was killed in an unfortunate accident in December 2021. This led to a delay in the process.

  • SC refuses to accept govt’s sealed cover note on OROP dues

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Refusing to accept the sealed cover note filed by the Centre on the OROP arrears case, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud on Monday said sealed covers are against the fundamental process of justice and there has to be transparency in court.

    Asking the Union as to what “secrecy” could be there, the CJI said, “I am personally averse to sealed covers. There has to be transparency in court. This is about implementing the orders. What can be the secrecy here? We want to put an end to the sealed cover business. If the SC follows it, high courts will also follow. We are understanding the difficulty of the government. But what we need is facts. Please tell us the plan of action.”

    Attorney General R Venkataramani appearing for the Ministry of Defence stated that the documents were “confidential” as they contained “issues of sensitivity” and pertained to the “financial balancing of the whole economy”. Although the Centre faced the court’s ire for submitting the note in a sealed cover, it breathed a sigh of relief as the bench, also comprising Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala, granted leeway to clear OROP arrears to ex-servicemen in staggered payments from April 2023 till February 28, 2024.

    Taking into consideration the Centre’s submission that clearing payment of Rs 28,000 crore “in one go” could have serious implications on defence management, the court granted the Centre the liberty to pay in instalments to 21 lakh eligible pensioners in various categories. It directed the government to clear arrears to around six lakh family pensioners and gallantry award winners by April 30, around four lakh pensioners above 70 years by June 30 and to rest 10-11 lakh pensioners in equal instalments on or before August 30, November 30 and February 28, 2024.

    CJI during the hearing also expressed “displeasure” with regard to the unilateral letter issued by the defence ministry related to the payment of OROP arrears. He said the national interest must not be lost sight of. “We were not pleased by their suo motu letter but we cannot lose sight of the national interest also,” the CJI said.

    Also in top court

    FIRs against Khera transferred to LucknowThe Supreme Court on Monday transferred the FIRs registered against Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera over his remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Lucknow. FIRs against Khera were registered in Varanasi, Hazratganj and Assam under sections 153 A, 500, 504, 505 (2) of IPC for referring PM Modi as “Narendra Gautamdas Modi”. A bench of CJI DY Chandrachud, Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala while extending interim protection from arrest till April 10, 2023, also asked Khera to apply for regular bail before Lucknow court. On February 23, the Supreme Court had directed Dwarka court to grant Khera interim bail in the case.

    Air India peegate ‘victim’ moves SCThe 72-year-old woman, who was urinated upon in a New York- Delhi Air India flight last November allegedly by an inebriated passenger, has approached the SC to direct the DGCA and all airlines to frame mandatory SOP and zero tolerance rules to deal with unruly passengers and onboard sufferers. She has also sought for directing the centre & DGCA to set guidelines on alcohol policy on international flights of Indian carriers.

    BJP lotus a religious symbol, says IUMLThe Indian Union Muslim League told the Supreme Court on Monday that the BJP should also be made a respondent in a plea seeking to bar political parties with religious names and symbols, as the BJP’s symbol lotus is a “religious symbol”. “We have also filed an application to include a large number of parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party because its symbol is a “Kamal”, which is a religious symbol”, 

    Plea on live-in registration dismissedTerming the plea seeking directions to the Centre to frame rules and guidelines for registration of live-in partnerships as “hare-brained”, the SC on Monday dismissed the same. Reprimanding the petitioner’s counsel for filing this plea, a bench of CJI DY Chandrachud said, “What is this? Do people come with anything here? We’ll start imposing costs on such cases. Registration with whom? The Central government? What does the Central government has to do with it? You want every live-in relationship to be registered? Are you trying to foster care or security of these people or to prevent them? These are all hare-brained ideas which you want the court to execute. Dismissed…” Advocate Mamta Rani in her plea had argued that compulsory registration was necessary for the protection of the members and the children born out of such relationships. 

    NEW DELHI: Refusing to accept the sealed cover note filed by the Centre on the OROP arrears case, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud on Monday said sealed covers are against the fundamental process of justice and there has to be transparency in court.

    Asking the Union as to what “secrecy” could be there, the CJI said, “I am personally averse to sealed covers. There has to be transparency in court. This is about implementing the orders. What can be the secrecy here? We want to put an end to the sealed cover business. If the SC follows it, high courts will also follow. We are understanding the difficulty of the government. But what we need is facts. Please tell us the plan of action.”

    Attorney General R Venkataramani appearing for the Ministry of Defence stated that the documents were “confidential” as they contained “issues of sensitivity” and pertained to the “financial balancing of the whole economy”. Although the Centre faced the court’s ire for submitting the note in a sealed cover, it breathed a sigh of relief as the bench, also comprising Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala, granted leeway to clear OROP arrears to ex-servicemen in staggered payments from April 2023 till February 28, 2024.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Taking into consideration the Centre’s submission that clearing payment of Rs 28,000 crore “in one go” could have serious implications on defence management, the court granted the Centre the liberty to pay in instalments to 21 lakh eligible pensioners in various categories. It directed the government to clear arrears to around six lakh family pensioners and gallantry award winners by April 30, around four lakh pensioners above 70 years by June 30 and to rest 10-11 lakh pensioners in equal instalments on or before August 30, November 30 and February 28, 2024.

    CJI during the hearing also expressed “displeasure” with regard to the unilateral letter issued by the defence ministry related to the payment of OROP arrears. He said the national interest must not be lost sight of. “We were not pleased by their suo motu letter but we cannot lose sight of the national interest also,” the CJI said.

    Also in top court

    FIRs against Khera transferred to Lucknow
    The Supreme Court on Monday transferred the FIRs registered against Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera over his remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Lucknow. FIRs against Khera were registered in Varanasi, Hazratganj and Assam under sections 153 A, 500, 504, 505 (2) of IPC for referring PM Modi as “Narendra Gautamdas Modi”. A bench of CJI DY Chandrachud, Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala while extending interim protection from arrest till April 10, 2023, also asked Khera to apply for regular bail before Lucknow court. On February 23, the Supreme Court had directed Dwarka court to grant Khera interim bail in the case.

    Air India peegate ‘victim’ moves SC
    The 72-year-old woman, who was urinated upon in a New York- Delhi Air India flight last November allegedly by an inebriated passenger, has approached the SC to direct the DGCA and all airlines to frame mandatory SOP and zero tolerance rules to deal with unruly passengers and onboard sufferers. She has also sought for directing the centre & DGCA to set guidelines on alcohol policy on international flights of Indian carriers.

    BJP lotus a religious symbol, says IUML
    The Indian Union Muslim League told the Supreme Court on Monday that the BJP should also be made a respondent in a plea seeking to bar political parties with religious names and symbols, as the BJP’s symbol lotus is a “religious symbol”. “We have also filed an application to include a large number of parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party because its symbol is a “Kamal”, which is a religious symbol”, 

    Plea on live-in registration dismissed
    Terming the plea seeking directions to the Centre to frame rules and guidelines for registration of live-in partnerships as “hare-brained”, the SC on Monday dismissed the same. Reprimanding the petitioner’s counsel for filing this plea, a bench of CJI DY Chandrachud said, “What is this? Do people come with anything here? We’ll start imposing costs on such cases. Registration with whom? The Central government? What does the Central government has to do with it? You want every live-in relationship to be registered? Are you trying to foster care or security of these people or to prevent them? These are all hare-brained ideas which you want the court to execute. Dismissed…” Advocate Mamta Rani in her plea had argued that compulsory registration was necessary for the protection of the members and the children born out of such relationships. 

  • SC says Centre can’t issue communication on payment of OROP arrears in installments

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday said the Ministry of Defence cannot take the law into its own hands by issuing communication on payment of One Rank-One Pension (OROP) arrears in four installments.

    A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala asked the ministry to immediately withdraw its January 20 communication, which said OROP arrears will be paid in four installments.

    Attorney General R Venkataramani said the Centre has paid one installment of OROP arrears to ex-servicemen but needs some more time for further payments.

    “First withdraw (your) January 20 notification on payment of OROP arrears, then we will consider your application for time,” the bench told Venkataramani.

    The bench said the defence ministry’s January 20 communication was completely contrary to its verdict and it cannot unilaterally say it will pay OROP arrears in four installments.

    It asked the attorney general to prepare a note giving details of the quantum of payment to be paid, the modalities to be adopted and what’s the priority segment for the payment of arrears.

    “We want that there has to be some kind of categorisation and older people should be paid the arrears first. Over four lakh pensioners have died since the litigation started,” the bench said.

    The top court is hearing an application filed by the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM), through advocate Balaji Srinivasan, in which they have sought setting aside of the defence ministry’s January 20 communication.

    On February 27, the top court pulled up the defence ministry over the delay in payment of OROP arrears to eligible pensioners of the armed forces and sought an explanation from the secretary concerned for issuing the communication extending the timeline for payments fixed by the court.

    On January 9, the top court granted time till March 15 to the Centre for payment of total arrears of OROP. But on January 20, the ministry issued a communication that the arrears shall be paid in four yearly installments.

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday said the Ministry of Defence cannot take the law into its own hands by issuing communication on payment of One Rank-One Pension (OROP) arrears in four installments.

    A bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala asked the ministry to immediately withdraw its January 20 communication, which said OROP arrears will be paid in four installments.

    Attorney General R Venkataramani said the Centre has paid one installment of OROP arrears to ex-servicemen but needs some more time for further payments.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “First withdraw (your) January 20 notification on payment of OROP arrears, then we will consider your application for time,” the bench told Venkataramani.

    The bench said the defence ministry’s January 20 communication was completely contrary to its verdict and it cannot unilaterally say it will pay OROP arrears in four installments.

    It asked the attorney general to prepare a note giving details of the quantum of payment to be paid, the modalities to be adopted and what’s the priority segment for the payment of arrears.

    “We want that there has to be some kind of categorisation and older people should be paid the arrears first. Over four lakh pensioners have died since the litigation started,” the bench said.

    The top court is hearing an application filed by the Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement (IESM), through advocate Balaji Srinivasan, in which they have sought setting aside of the defence ministry’s January 20 communication.

    On February 27, the top court pulled up the defence ministry over the delay in payment of OROP arrears to eligible pensioners of the armed forces and sought an explanation from the secretary concerned for issuing the communication extending the timeline for payments fixed by the court.

    On January 9, the top court granted time till March 15 to the Centre for payment of total arrears of OROP. But on January 20, the ministry issued a communication that the arrears shall be paid in four yearly installments.

  • Over 83,000 posts vacant in Central Armed Police Forces: Centre

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: With over 83,000 vacancies, India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are facing a shortage of manpower, according to the government. 

    The forces in which the posts are lying vacant are Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Assam Rifles.

    MoS Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Wednesday informed the parliament that as many as 83,217 posts in the CAPF were vacant as of Jan. 1, 2023, against a total sanctioned strength of 10,15,237. The shortage of manpower since 2019 stands at 8 per cent of the total sanctioned strength. With 29,283 vacancies, the CRPF suffered from the highest shortage of personnel.

    Rai said the government has been taking measures to fill the vacancies, adding, “The recruitment is being undertaken in mission mode to fill these vacancies and it is planned to be completed in 2023.”

    “It may also be mentioned that 32,181 personnel have been recruited between July 2022 to January 2023. Further, 64,444 vacancies have been notified and are at different stages of recruitment,” he added.

    Sources within the CAPFs said that the peculiarity of the service conditions requires maintaining a minimum force level every time and that the scarcity of personnel affects the Units the most.

    “Keeping the service conditions and deployments we cannot let the number of personnel present in a Unit come down from a minimum number. And, the duties of those not in the Unit have to be perforce carried out by those in the Unit and this leads to additional work to every person,” a source informed TNIE.

    Meanwhile, the number of women personnel in the CAPFs and the ARs has been consistently increasing during the same period. In 2019, as many as 27,047 (2.9 per cent) of 9.12 lakh personnel in service were women. The number has now risen to 3.82 per cent, with at least 35,074 women in service from a total of 9.16 lakh personnel. 

    The CAPFs function under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Of the CAPFs, AR, BSF, ITBP and SSB help guard the country’s border, while, the CRPF is deployed for internal security duties, maintenance of law and order and anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast.

    NEW DELHI: With over 83,000 vacancies, India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are facing a shortage of manpower, according to the government. 

    The forces in which the posts are lying vacant are Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Assam Rifles.

    MoS Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Wednesday informed the parliament that as many as 83,217 posts in the CAPF were vacant as of Jan. 1, 2023, against a total sanctioned strength of 10,15,237. The shortage of manpower since 2019 stands at 8 per cent of the total sanctioned strength. With 29,283 vacancies, the CRPF suffered from the highest shortage of personnel.

    Rai said the government has been taking measures to fill the vacancies, adding, “The recruitment is being undertaken in mission mode to fill these vacancies and it is planned to be completed in 2023.”

    “It may also be mentioned that 32,181 personnel have been recruited between July 2022 to January 2023. Further, 64,444 vacancies have been notified and are at different stages of recruitment,” he added.

    Sources within the CAPFs said that the peculiarity of the service conditions requires maintaining a minimum force level every time and that the scarcity of personnel affects the Units the most.

    “Keeping the service conditions and deployments we cannot let the number of personnel present in a Unit come down from a minimum number. And, the duties of those not in the Unit have to be perforce carried out by those in the Unit and this leads to additional work to every person,” a source informed TNIE.

    Meanwhile, the number of women personnel in the CAPFs and the ARs has been consistently increasing during the same period. In 2019, as many as 27,047 (2.9 per cent) of 9.12 lakh personnel in service were women. The number has now risen to 3.82 per cent, with at least 35,074 women in service from a total of 9.16 lakh personnel. 

    The CAPFs function under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Of the CAPFs, AR, BSF, ITBP and SSB help guard the country’s border, while, the CRPF is deployed for internal security duties, maintenance of law and order and anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast.

  • Armed Forces exercise quick deployment in the areas near strategic Siliguri Corridor

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Armed Forces carried out ten days long swift mobilisation and deployment practices in various locations across North Bengal. As per the sources Exercise Trishakti Prahar exercise included efforts of all agencies including the Civil Administration, Civil Defence Organisations, Police and CAPFs were coordinated to ensure efficient move and quick mobilisation.

    The sources said, “A joint training exercise ‘Exercise Trishakti Prahar’ was conducted in North Bengal from 21 January to 31 January 2023. The aim of the exercise was to practice battle preparedness of the Security Forces using the latest weapons and equipment in a networked, integrated environment, involving all arms and services of the Army, the Indian Air Force and CAPFs.”

    “The conduct of Exercise enabled rehearsal and coordination amongst various agencies for quick movement and employment of forces across North Bengal. The Integrated Fire Power Exercise showcased Indian Armed Forces capability in the synergised application of Indian Air Force assets, Airborne Special Forces and the Security Forces in a networked environment.”, said the sources.

    The Fire Power Exercise was aimed at synergising the firepower assets of the Indian Armed Forces and CAPFs to orchestrate an integrated battle. 

    Exercise Trishakti Prahar culminated with an Integrated Fire Power Exercise in Teesta Field Firing Ranges which is close to Siliguri, West Bengal. 

    The exercise showcased the joint application of various ground and aerial assets to include latest generation Fighter Aircraft, Helicopters, Tanks, Infantry Combat Vehicles, Medium & Field Artillery Guns, Infantry Mortars and various New Generation Infantry weapons and equipment in a networked environment. 

    The exercise also witnessed the participation of indigenous weapons and equipment which have been newly inducted. 

    The firepower exercise was reviewed by Lt Gen RP Kalita, Army Commander, Eastern Command. Senior officers of BSF, ITBP, SSB, and civil administration dignitaries also witnessed the exercise. On termination of the firepower exercise, a display of the major weapons and equipment was also organised.

    It was during the time of current Army Chief General Manoj Pande, when he was the Eastern Army Commander, a joint coordinating centre was setup under the army and that has proved to be effective to coordinate actions of all agencies that work in 

    the region. “At the national level, there is a thought process to look at alternate means in terms of economic activities and others to mitigate the threats to Siliguri Corridor” Gen Pande had said then.

    Siliguri Corridor is a narrow stretch of land bordering Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh measuring approximately 170X60km, at the narrowest, it is about 20-22km. The geostrategic significance of the corridor comes about in terms of it being a narrow piece of land which connects northeast India to the rest of the country through which major national highways, railway lines, pipelines, OFC connectivity and the rest pass.

    Its importance also stems from the fact that the Chumbi Valley of the Tibet Autonomous Region is quite close.  The alacrity in steps to strengthen the area came post 2017 Doklam standoff with the PLA close to the tri-junction of India, Bhutan and Tibet Autonomous Region. The Chinese PLA tried constructing a road which would bring them closer to the sensitive Siliguri Corridor.

    Also, recently China and Bhutan signed an MoU on a roadmap “for Expediting the Bhutan-China Boundary Negotiations”. This agreement is to expedite the progress on the boundary talks. China is claiming around 89 sq km in the area which will help it to have more territory in a narrow area jutting towards the Siliguri Corridor. Apart from the strategic location of the stretch, the area also has other factors including that of radicalisation keeping the agencies on their toes.

    NEW DELHI: The Armed Forces carried out ten days long swift mobilisation and deployment practices in various locations across North Bengal. As per the sources Exercise Trishakti Prahar exercise included efforts of all agencies including the Civil Administration, Civil Defence Organisations, Police and CAPFs were coordinated to ensure efficient move and quick mobilisation.

    The sources said, “A joint training exercise ‘Exercise Trishakti Prahar’ was conducted in North Bengal from 21 January to 31 January 2023. The aim of the exercise was to practice battle preparedness of the Security Forces using the latest weapons and equipment in a networked, integrated environment, involving all arms and services of the Army, the Indian Air Force and CAPFs.”

    “The conduct of Exercise enabled rehearsal and coordination amongst various agencies for quick movement and employment of forces across North Bengal. The Integrated Fire Power Exercise showcased Indian Armed Forces capability in the synergised application of Indian Air Force assets, Airborne Special Forces and the Security Forces in a networked environment.”, said the sources.

    The Fire Power Exercise was aimed at synergising the firepower assets of the Indian Armed Forces and CAPFs to orchestrate an integrated battle. 

    Exercise Trishakti Prahar culminated with an Integrated Fire Power Exercise in Teesta Field Firing Ranges which is close to Siliguri, West Bengal. 

    The exercise showcased the joint application of various ground and aerial assets to include latest generation Fighter Aircraft, Helicopters, Tanks, Infantry Combat Vehicles, Medium & Field Artillery Guns, Infantry Mortars and various New Generation Infantry weapons and equipment in a networked environment. 

    The exercise also witnessed the participation of indigenous weapons and equipment which have been newly inducted. 

    The firepower exercise was reviewed by Lt Gen RP Kalita, Army Commander, Eastern Command. Senior officers of BSF, ITBP, SSB, and civil administration dignitaries also witnessed the exercise. On termination of the firepower exercise, a display of the major weapons and equipment was also organised.

    It was during the time of current Army Chief General Manoj Pande, when he was the Eastern Army Commander, a joint coordinating centre was setup under the army and that has proved to be effective to coordinate actions of all agencies that work in 

    the region. “At the national level, there is a thought process to look at alternate means in terms of economic activities and others to mitigate the threats to Siliguri Corridor” Gen Pande had said then.

    Siliguri Corridor is a narrow stretch of land bordering Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh measuring approximately 170X60km, at the narrowest, it is about 20-22km. The geostrategic significance of the corridor comes about in terms of it being a narrow piece of land which connects northeast India to the rest of the country through which major national highways, railway lines, pipelines, OFC connectivity and the rest pass.

    Its importance also stems from the fact that the Chumbi Valley of the Tibet Autonomous Region is quite close.  The alacrity in steps to strengthen the area came post 2017 Doklam standoff with the PLA close to the tri-junction of India, Bhutan and Tibet Autonomous Region. The Chinese PLA tried constructing a road which would bring them closer to the sensitive Siliguri Corridor.

    Also, recently China and Bhutan signed an MoU on a roadmap “for Expediting the Bhutan-China Boundary Negotiations”. This agreement is to expedite the progress on the boundary talks. China is claiming around 89 sq km in the area which will help it to have more territory in a narrow area jutting towards the Siliguri Corridor. Apart from the strategic location of the stretch, the area also has other factors including that of radicalisation keeping the agencies on their toes.

  • Defence services saw indigenous push in 2022

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  The armed forces in the year 2022 witnessed commissioning and inductions of warships, aircraft and submarines with a conspicuous stamp of indigenous content. The commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Cochin Shipyard Limited in September showcased the country’s growing prowess of indigenous manufacturing. With 76% indigenous content, the 262.5 m long and 61.6 m wide ship is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment/systems, designed for a crew of around 1,600 officers and sailors.

    The carrier is capable of operating an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft Navy.

    Another indigenous combat platform Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’, designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was inducted into the Indian Air Force in Jodhpur in October 2022. The LCH is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter which has potent ground attack and aerial combat capability. It possesses modern stealth characteristics, robust armour protection and formidable night attack capability. Onboard advanced navigation system, guns tailored for close combat and potent air to air missiles make the LCH especially suited for the modern battlefield. It is capable of operating from high altitude terrain and carrying out precision strikes at high altitude targets.

    Army, Navy, Air Force and even the Indian Coast Guard inducted major aerial platforms designed and built in India. Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 325, operating the indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at INS Utkrosh, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Command in May 2022. The unit was the second ALH MK III Squadron commissioned into the Indian Navy. The state-of-the-art multi role helicopter has been developed and manufactured by HAL.

    The ALH Mk-III helicopters feature state-of-the-art equipment including advanced RADAR as well as Electro optical sensors, Shakti engines, full glass cockpit, high-intensity search light, advanced communication systems, automatic identification system as well as search-and-rescue homer. This feature enables the helicopter to undertake maritime reconnaissance as well as carry out search and rescue at extended ranges while operating from ships, both by day and night.

    The Indian Navy saw inductions of the Missile Destroyers and Frigates having been designed and developed by the Indian Navy’s inhouse Department of Naval Design and manufactured in Indian shipyards. Two frontline warships of the Indian Navy — ‘Surat’ and ‘Udaygiri’ — at Mazagon Docks Limited, Mumbai were commissioned in May. ‘Surat’ is the fourth Stealth-Guided Missile Destroyer of P15B class, while ‘Udaygiri’ is the second Stealth Frigate of P17A class.

    Project 15B class of ships are the next-generation stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy which are follow-on class of the weapon intensive P15A (Kolkata Class) Destroyers. P17A Frigates are warships that are follow-on class of the P17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates with improved stealth features, advanced weapons & sensors and platform management systems. Y-12705 (Mormugao), the second ship of Project 15B, was delivered to the Indian Navy in November, while fifth Stealth Frigate ‘Taragiri’ of P17A was launched in September.

    76% indigenous content in INS VikrantThe commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant by the PM Narendra Modi at Cochin Shipyard Limited in September showcased the country’s growing prowess of indigenous manufacturing. The ship has 76% indigenous content

    NEW DELHI:  The armed forces in the year 2022 witnessed commissioning and inductions of warships, aircraft and submarines with a conspicuous stamp of indigenous content. The commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Cochin Shipyard Limited in September showcased the country’s growing prowess of indigenous manufacturing. With 76% indigenous content, the 262.5 m long and 61.6 m wide ship is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment/systems, designed for a crew of around 1,600 officers and sailors.

    The carrier is capable of operating an air wing consisting of 30 aircraft comprising MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R multi-role helicopters, in addition to indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters and Light Combat Aircraft Navy.

    Another indigenous combat platform Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) ‘Prachand’, designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), was inducted into the Indian Air Force in Jodhpur in October 2022. The LCH is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter which has potent ground attack and aerial combat capability. It possesses modern stealth characteristics, robust armour protection and formidable night attack capability. Onboard advanced navigation system, guns tailored for close combat and potent air to air missiles make the LCH especially suited for the modern battlefield. It is capable of operating from high altitude terrain and carrying out precision strikes at high altitude targets.

    Army, Navy, Air Force and even the Indian Coast Guard inducted major aerial platforms designed and built in India. Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 325, operating the indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at INS Utkrosh, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Command in May 2022. The unit was the second ALH MK III Squadron commissioned into the Indian Navy. The state-of-the-art multi role helicopter has been developed and manufactured by HAL.

    The ALH Mk-III helicopters feature state-of-the-art equipment including advanced RADAR as well as Electro optical sensors, Shakti engines, full glass cockpit, high-intensity search light, advanced communication systems, automatic identification system as well as search-and-rescue homer. This feature enables the helicopter to undertake maritime reconnaissance as well as carry out search and rescue at extended ranges while operating from ships, both by day and night.

    The Indian Navy saw inductions of the Missile Destroyers and Frigates having been designed and developed by the Indian Navy’s inhouse Department of Naval Design and manufactured in Indian shipyards. Two frontline warships of the Indian Navy — ‘Surat’ and ‘Udaygiri’ — at Mazagon Docks Limited, Mumbai were commissioned in May. ‘Surat’ is the fourth Stealth-Guided Missile Destroyer of P15B class, while ‘Udaygiri’ is the second Stealth Frigate of P17A class.

    Project 15B class of ships are the next-generation stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy which are follow-on class of the weapon intensive P15A (Kolkata Class) Destroyers. P17A Frigates are warships that are follow-on class of the P17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates with improved stealth features, advanced weapons & sensors and platform management systems. Y-12705 (Mormugao), the second ship of Project 15B, was delivered to the Indian Navy in November, while fifth Stealth Frigate ‘Taragiri’ of P17A was launched in September.

    76% indigenous content in INS Vikrant
    The commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant by the PM Narendra Modi at Cochin Shipyard Limited in September showcased the country’s growing prowess of indigenous manufacturing. The ship has 76% indigenous content

  • Cabinet revises pension for Armed Forces under One Rank One Pension

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In a significant step the Union Cabinet of Friday approved the revision of the pension of armed forces’ pensioners/family pensioners under One Rank One Pension (OROP) w.e.f. July 01, 2019.

    Pension of the past pensioners would be re-fixed on the basis of the average minimum and maximum pension of defence forces retirees for the calendar year 2018 in the same rank with the same length of service.

    The decision will benefit the Armed Forces Personnel retired up to June 30, 2019 {excluding pre-mature (PMR) retired w.e.f. July 01, 2014} will be covered under this revision. More than 25.13 lakh (including over 4.52 lakh new beneficiaries) armed forces’ pensioners/family pensioners will be benefitted. Pension for those drawing above the average shall be protected. The benefit would also be extended to family pensioners, including war widows and disabled pensioners.

    Arrears will be paid in four half-yearly instalments. However, all the family pensioners, including those in receipt of Special/ Liberalised Family Pension and Gallantry Award Winners, shall be paid arrears in one instalment.

    The estimated annual expenditure for the implementation of the revision has been calculated as approx. Rs 8,450 crore at the rate of 31 per cent Dearness Relief (DR). Arrears w.e.f. July 01, 2019, to December 31, 2021, have been calculated as over Rs 19,316 crore based on DR at 17 per cent for the period from July 01, 2019, to June 30, 2021, and at 31 per cent for the period from July 01, 2021, to December 31, 2021.

    Arrears w.e.f. July 01, 2019, to June 30, 2022, has been calculated as approximately Rs23, 638 crore as per the applicable dearness relief. This expenditure is over and above the ongoing expenditure on account of OROP.

    Rank wise a likely estimated increase (in rupees) in service pension under OROP w.e.f. July 01, 2019:

    The Government took a historic decision to implement OROP for the Defence Forces Personnel/family pensioners and issued a policy letter on November 07, 2015, for revision of pension w.e.f. July 01, 2014.

    In the said policy letter, it was mentioned that in future, the pension would be re-fixed every 5 years. Approx. Rs 57,000 crore has been spent at the rate of Rs 7,123 crore per year in eight years in the implementation of OROP.

    The Union Cabinet also has approved the provision of free food grain under the National Food Security Act for a period of one year. In view of the decision, the central government would bear the entire cost of the food subsidy to the tune of Rs 2 lakh crore.

    The decision comes a week before the expiry of the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana free foodgrain scheme, which is set to end on December 31.

    NEW DELHI: In a significant step the Union Cabinet of Friday approved the revision of the pension of armed forces’ pensioners/family pensioners under One Rank One Pension (OROP) w.e.f. July 01, 2019.

    Pension of the past pensioners would be re-fixed on the basis of the average minimum and maximum pension of defence forces retirees for the calendar year 2018 in the same rank with the same length of service.

    The decision will benefit the Armed Forces Personnel retired up to June 30, 2019 {excluding pre-mature (PMR) retired w.e.f. July 01, 2014} will be covered under this revision. More than 25.13 lakh (including over 4.52 lakh new beneficiaries) armed forces’ pensioners/family pensioners will be benefitted. Pension for those drawing above the average shall be protected. The benefit would also be extended to family pensioners, including war widows and disabled pensioners.

    Arrears will be paid in four half-yearly instalments. However, all the family pensioners, including those in receipt of Special/ Liberalised Family Pension and Gallantry Award Winners, shall be paid arrears in one instalment.

    The estimated annual expenditure for the implementation of the revision has been calculated as approx. Rs 8,450 crore at the rate of 31 per cent Dearness Relief (DR). Arrears w.e.f. July 01, 2019, to December 31, 2021, have been calculated as over Rs 19,316 crore based on DR at 17 per cent for the period from July 01, 2019, to June 30, 2021, and at 31 per cent for the period from July 01, 2021, to December 31, 2021.

    Arrears w.e.f. July 01, 2019, to June 30, 2022, has been calculated as approximately Rs23, 638 crore as per the applicable dearness relief. This expenditure is over and above the ongoing expenditure on account of OROP.

    Rank wise a likely estimated increase (in rupees) in service pension under OROP w.e.f. July 01, 2019:

    The Government took a historic decision to implement OROP for the Defence Forces Personnel/family pensioners and issued a policy letter on November 07, 2015, for revision of pension w.e.f. July 01, 2014.

    In the said policy letter, it was mentioned that in future, the pension would be re-fixed every 5 years. Approx. Rs 57,000 crore has been spent at the rate of Rs 7,123 crore per year in eight years in the implementation of OROP.

    The Union Cabinet also has approved the provision of free food grain under the National Food Security Act for a period of one year. In view of the decision, the central government would bear the entire cost of the food subsidy to the tune of Rs 2 lakh crore.

    The decision comes a week before the expiry of the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana free foodgrain scheme, which is set to end on December 31.

  • India has never considered war first option but last resort; we believe in peace: PM Modi

    By PTI

    KARGIL: India has always viewed war as the last resort, but the armed forces have the strength and strategies to give a befitting reply to anyone who casts an evil eye on the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.

    Addressing the armed forces here on Diwali, the prime minister also recalled his visit to this frontier region in the aftermath of the Kargil conflict in 1999 when the Indian military had “crushed the hood of terror”.

    “There has not been a single war with Pakistan when Kargil has not flown the victory flag,” he said adding that Diwali symbolised the “celebration of the end of terror”.

    “I have witnessed the Kargil war closely. It was my duty that had brought me to Kargil back then. There are many memories of that time when the sounds of victory were reverberating all around,” Modi said, continuing with the tradition set by him to celebrate Diwali at the country’s frontiers.

    “In Kargil, our armed forces had crushed the hood of terror and people still remember the Diwali that was celebrated back then,” he said.

    He said over the last eight years, the government has worked on implementing reforms in the armed forces by deploying new technologies, developing infrastructure in border areas and opening up positions for women in the forces.

    “The induction of women in the armed forces will boost our strength,” Modi said and added that reforms in the armed forces that were required for decades are now being implemented.

    The prime minister said a nation is safe when its borders are secure, economy strong and society full of confidence.

    India has been dealing with its enemies, both external and internal, with force, Modi said and recounted the steps taken to “uproot” the “terror, naxalism and extremism” from within the country.

    He said India has never viewed war as the first option. “We have always seen war as the final resort. We are in favour of global peace. But peace cannot be achieved without strength,” Modi said.

    “Our armed forces have the strategies as well as the strength. If anyone dares cast an evil eye on us, our three armed forces know very well how to give a befitting reply,” the prime minister said.

    Prime Minister Modi also said that ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ most important to the nation’s security and the country’s dependence should be minimal on foreign weapons and systems.

    Since coming to power in 2014, Modi has been visiting different military facilities to celebrate Diwali.

    KARGIL: India has always viewed war as the last resort, but the armed forces have the strength and strategies to give a befitting reply to anyone who casts an evil eye on the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.

    Addressing the armed forces here on Diwali, the prime minister also recalled his visit to this frontier region in the aftermath of the Kargil conflict in 1999 when the Indian military had “crushed the hood of terror”.

    “There has not been a single war with Pakistan when Kargil has not flown the victory flag,” he said adding that Diwali symbolised the “celebration of the end of terror”.

    “I have witnessed the Kargil war closely. It was my duty that had brought me to Kargil back then. There are many memories of that time when the sounds of victory were reverberating all around,” Modi said, continuing with the tradition set by him to celebrate Diwali at the country’s frontiers.

    “In Kargil, our armed forces had crushed the hood of terror and people still remember the Diwali that was celebrated back then,” he said.

    He said over the last eight years, the government has worked on implementing reforms in the armed forces by deploying new technologies, developing infrastructure in border areas and opening up positions for women in the forces.

    “The induction of women in the armed forces will boost our strength,” Modi said and added that reforms in the armed forces that were required for decades are now being implemented.

    The prime minister said a nation is safe when its borders are secure, economy strong and society full of confidence.

    India has been dealing with its enemies, both external and internal, with force, Modi said and recounted the steps taken to “uproot” the “terror, naxalism and extremism” from within the country.

    He said India has never viewed war as the first option. “We have always seen war as the final resort. We are in favour of global peace. But peace cannot be achieved without strength,” Modi said.

    “Our armed forces have the strategies as well as the strength. If anyone dares cast an evil eye on us, our three armed forces know very well how to give a befitting reply,” the prime minister said.

    Prime Minister Modi also said that ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ most important to the nation’s security and the country’s dependence should be minimal on foreign weapons and systems.

    Since coming to power in 2014, Modi has been visiting different military facilities to celebrate Diwali.