New Delhi, Oct 13 (PTI) Close on the heels of the Dokalamstandoff, organisational changes are likely in some of the keyArmy formations besides steps to boost infrastructure alongthe nearly 4,000 km-long Sino-India border including aroundthe areas of dispute.
The decisions were taken at the Army's commandersconference which extensively deliberated on the Dokalam faceoff with China besides analysing all possible securitychallenges on the northern border, official sources said.
In his address at the week-long conference that beganhere on Monday, Chief of Army Staff Gen Bipin Rawat asked thecommanders to be prepared for all eventualities at "all times"while Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised the needto guard against "inimical forces".
Director General Staff Duties Lt. Gen. Vijay Singh,briefing on the outcome of the conclave which was alsoattended by top defence ministry officials, said it wasdecided that there would be considerable "heft" towards roadconstruction activities in the northern sector.
He said the the issue of organisational changes of someof the formations for capability enhancement was examined,adding it was decided to grant additional funds to BorderRoads Organisation, a defence ministry entity, for developmentof roads and other infrastructure.
Official sources said capacity enhancement along theSino-India border was a major focus area and the conclavedecided to boost infrastructure along the entire stretch withChina including around areas of dispute.
In her address, Sitharaman lauded the Army for its swiftand effective response in dealing with "external and internalthreats", seen as a reference to the Army stopping theconstruction of a road in Dokalam by China and its anti-terroroperations in Jammu and Kashmir.
The conclave today discussed issues relating to militaryoperations and evolving security dynamics in the region.
While talking about security challenges, the Army Chiefhighlighted the need for according priority to procurement ofarms and ammunitions, in an apparent indication of unhappinessover delay in buying critical weapons for the force.
"Our approach to procurement process needs to be balancedwith focus at the right places," Gen Rawat was quoted assaying by Singh.
On her part, Sitharaman said focus will be on ensuringcapability enhancement and capacity building of the Army in atime-bound manner. She also emphasised the need for jointnessand integration of all the services in effectively dealingwith emerging challenges.
While Gen Rawat asserted that there will be no compromisewith respect to issues relating to welfare of the armymen,Sitharaman said keeping up the morale of the armed forcespersonnel will remain a priority.
On boosting infrastructure along the borders, Singh said"four passes to Niti, Lipulekh, Thangla 1 and Tsangchokla havebeen decided to be connected by 2020 on priority." All thesepasses are along the Sino-India border in central sector.
He said a roadmap for intra sector connectivity withincentral sector and inter-sector connectivity with neigbhouringareas have been discussed.
The commanders also deliberated on the cadre review ofJunior Commissioned Officers and other ranks (OR), which nowstands approved, and implementation of the Shekatkar committeerecommendation on carrying out reforms in the force.
The issue of employment of women officers in areas ofspecialisation that require continuity also figured.
Singh said implementation of cadre review of JCOs and 0Rresulting in 1.45.5137 additional promotional vacancies willbe the top priority of the Army.
In the next two days, the commanders will discuss anumber of issues relating human resources which includepromotion of eligible officers to the rank of LieutenantGeneral.
He said the Army has decided to modernise all militarystations on par with the government's smart city project andinitially, 58 stations have been identified for the project.
The army has over 2,000 military stations across the country.
During interactions with top officials of the defenceministry, the commanders discussed a host of issues likeexpediting acquisition projects, providing liberallsed familypension to those other than battle causalities and mattersrelating to defence land, said Singh.
Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra stressed on the need for atime bound action plan to resolve the issues.
He said the conference decided to seek necessary sanctionfrom the government to allow the Army to carry out procurementunder the existing system till Mar 31, 2018 when theGovernment eMarket system is likely to stabilise. PTI MPBRT.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.