Source: Press Information Bureau
Background
The Committee of Experts (CoE) constituted by the Ministry of Defence under the chairmanship of Lt. Gen (Retd) DB Shekatkar to recommend measures to enhance combat capability and rebalance defence expenditure of the armed forces, submitted its report in December 2016.
The major security objectives upon which the committee focussed, besides the defence of the nation’s borders, were protecting its citizens against wars, terrorism, insurgency, nuclear threats and militant activities, being a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, and developing of equipment and technologies that enhance defence preparedness through indigenous research, development and production.
The Report was taken up by the Ministry of Defence to frame key action points and roadmap for implementation. Measures as recommended by the Committee and taken up for implementation include:
- Optimization of Signals Establishments to include Radio Monitoring Companies, Corps Air Support Signal Regiments, Air Formation Signal Regiments, Composite Signal Regiments and merger of Corps Operating and Engineering Signal Regiments.
- Restructuring of repair echelons in the Army to include Base Workshops, Advance Base Workshops and Static / Station Workshops in the field Army.
- Redeployment of Ordnance echelons to include Vehicle Depots, Ordnance Depots and Central Ordnance Depots apart from streamlining inventory control mechanisms.
- Better utilization of Supply and Transportation echelons and Animal Transport units.
- Closure of Military Farms and Army Postal Establishments in peace locations.
- Enhancement in standards for recruitment of clerical staff and drivers in the Army.
- Improving the efficiency of the National Cadet Corps.
A total of 99 recommendations were forwarded for implementation to concerned agencies / stake holders. The recent announcement of Chief Defence of Services is one of the recommendations of the committee. Full details of the Report and its recommendations are not being placed in the public domain as the Report covers operational aspects of the armed forces, disclosure of which is not in the interest of national security.
