NEW DELHI: While highlighting key issues and challenges, both external and internal that has an impact on national security calculus, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Monday assured top Army Commanders that the much awaited One rank One pension scheme was on the anvil.
Inaugurating the biannual Army Commanders’ Conference here, Parrikar stressed on national security and capability development, reiterating that capacity building was a continuous process that must proceed apace and unabated. Congratulating the Army on having the most professional institutions in the country, Parrikar exhorted the exemplary leadership shown by the Army and complemented the way the force dealt with very difficult challenges, including the proxy war waged by Pakistan.
The week-long conclave will deliberate on major operational, human resources and logistic issues affecting the Army.
The conference is the highest level ‘Military Conference’ and is held to discuss the current internal and external strategic issues, review of operational preparedness of the Army and aspects pertaining to military technology and force modernisation. The Defence Minister also underscored the Army’s response in dealing with Jammu & Kashmir floods.
Commanders’ Meet
Parrikar asked the Indian Air Force (IAF) to focus on safety, and the conservation of available resources as he interacted with the top Commanders here. While talking to the Army Commanders during the Army Commanders’ Conference, he emphasised on national security and capability-development, reiterating that capacity-building is a continuous process that must proceed apace and unabated.
His remarks come at a time when the IAF is flying with 34 Squadrons of fighter aircraft though the sanctioned strength is 42.
“The minister has been talking about how the Defence sector has been neglected over the last 10 years. Any remedial measure will take time,” Defence sources said, explaining what the minister had meant.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France last week, he had announced that India will buy 36 Rafale jets in ‘fly away’ condition, to meet the operational requirements of the IAF. Parrikar said it will take at least two years for the aircraft to be inducted.