14 August :Following is the English rendering of the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony’s address to the Armed Forces personnel broadcast over All India Radio on the eve of Independence Day:-
We will be celebrating our 62nd Independence Day tomorrow. On the eve of this auspicious day, I convey my greetings to you all.
I consider myself fortunate to be face to face with you once again in my capacity as the most responsible servant to our mighty armed forces. In my short tenure of two years as the Minister of Defence it has been my utmost effort to boost your morale by visiting you all in the far-flung corners of the country, share your problems and try to resolve the grievances. The nation will remain ever indebted to you for the constant vigil you maintain on our borders in remote and extremely inhospitable places.
Since I assumed responsibility as the Defence Minister it has been my constant effort to promote your welfare within the government’s resource constraints.
I have been working for the education of your children, health services and accommodation. Funds have been earmarked for setting up atleast six schools every year. The government has scrapped the individual’s contribution towards Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) being run for ex-servicemen, war-widows and soldiers disabled in action. The government also recently considerably raised the financial grants for gallantry awardees. We have recently taken a decision to formulate a long-term national policy on Ex-servicemen in consultation with all stakeholders.
Based on the feedback, a need was felt to improve quality control in the rations supplied to the field units and ensure improved nutrient value. As part of the measures, norms have been revised on the quality of rice, pulses and tea, the ration list now includes Sooji, Bread, Coffee, Butter etc, special care has been taken to improve nutrient value in food provided to soldiers deployed on altitudes above 12,000 feet besides the spices allowance has been hiked by 84 percent.
Accommodation has been a prime issue of concern for the armed forces personnel. To address this problem a decision has been taken to construct around 1,75,000 houses in four phases under the Married Accommodation Project (MAP). In the first phase around 50,000 houses are being constructed in 86 cities which are expected to be completed next year. In addition, we have also approved phase II of the project for construction of 67,000 dwelling units at the cost of Rs. 9,400 crores.
The government is always seized of the vital issue to provide you with the latest arms and armament. The new Defence Procurement Procedure released early this month is an important instrument towards this end which would enable swift defence purchases and also bring about transparency. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also enhancing capacities by lacing you with the latest lethal missiles and strategic systems.
The government recently approved a notification paving the way for the setting up of the Armed Forces Tribunal that would help dispose off piling litigation in the three services. The Principal Bench of the tribunal would be in Delhi and regional benches would function in Chandigrah, Lucknow, Kolkata, Guwahati, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai and Jaipur. This fulfils a long-standing demand of the service personnel. About 10,000 cases pending before various high courts would be transferred to this tribunal.
The Navy also achieved notable milestones this year. Landing Platform Dock INS Jalashwa and Landing Ship INS Kesari were inducted. Thirty-three ships and six submarines are being built in various shipyards that would add muscle to the Indian Navy. The Navy is also expected to get its second aircraft carrier INS Vikramidtya by 2012. The first batch of MiG-29K fighter jet to be based on the carrier are expected to arrive shortly. A proposal for acquisition of a Long Range Maritime Surveillance Aircraft for the Navy would soon be finalized. Many warships are now being equipped with the anti-ship supersonic cruise missile Brahmos. A naval academy with contemporary facilities would be commissioned at Ezhimala next year. The Navy has also undertaken a comprehensive network centric process.
The Air Force is also being laced with the most modern aircraft and weapon systems. Fighter pilots can now train better with the induction of the Advanced Jet Trainer Hawk this year.
Besides guarding our frontiers, the nation also owes you gratitude and always looks forward to the rescue and relief operations rendered by the armed forces during natural calamities. I would also like to appeal to you that you should be extra sensitive to human rights while combating militancy in certain parts of the country. This will help in building trust between the forces and the civilian population. The services rendered by you to the civilian population and the Sadbhavana programme merit recognition in ushering development in remote places where the civilian administration is constrained to reach.
I once again congratulate you all on the eve of Independence Day and my good wishes go with you and your families on this momentous occasion.