Some months ago, there was news that the soldiers will get 10 year-long awaited bullet-proof jackets. All we thought was it’ll take another few years for the same. But not today because soldiers finally get their bullet-proof jackets for its troops especially those posted in militancy-hit areas.
According to news reports, the first consignment of bullet-proof jackets was delivered on Oct 15, 2016. Although the number of jackets needed for the Army is 3,53,765 as per a plan in 2009, Indian Army has received the first lot of 20,000 bulletproof jackets for its troops posted in counter-insurgency and anti-militancy operations.
Out of the 3,53,765 jackets, 1.86 lakh were to be supplied by 2012 and another 1.67 lakh jackets by 2017. The tender for purchase of 1.86 lakh modular jackets was scrapped in October 2015 as samples offered by six vendors failed to clear field trials as per the Army specified benchmarks and the tender were cancelled.
This is the first lot of the 50,000 jackets placed on order in March 2016 for ₹140 crore under the “emergency procurement” with Tata Advance Material Limited. The new jackets are light weight and at the same time will protect the soldiers.
There is a huge shortage of bullet-proof jackets in the 1.18-million strong Army and because of convoluted procurement procedures, a lot of delays happen in getting these vital security items.
After assuming office, Defence Manohar Parrikar had approved this “interim emergency acquisition” through the “revenue route”.
What do you think about this move when only some of our soldiers will get to wear it?
