GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS 

RAJYASABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 703

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 8TH February, 2017/ MAGHA 19, 1938 (SAKA)

POOR QUALITY OF FOOD SERVED TO BSF TROOPS

703. SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the poor quality of food is being served to Border Security Force (BSF)  troops in  forward areas, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir; and

(b) if so, the steps Government proposes to take to ensure that working and service condition of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and paramilitary forces in the country are adequately taken care of?

ANSWER

To be answered by

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

(a)  & (b):  As per information received from BSF, a video tape was uploaded on social media regarding poor quality of food in BSF. Senior officers of the Force  were deputed to ascertain the facts. A Staff Court of Inquiry (SCOI) has been ordered and to facilitate free and fair inquiry, the officers concerned have since been transferred. The Ministry  of Home Affairs have reiterated to the Forces to ensure that the officers during their visit to Posts, may check on the aspects of living conditions, clothing, food and equipment and they may also take initiative to get free and frank feedback of the personnel. It has been advised that senior officers may also partake the food prepared for the jawans and endorse a note on the quality/quantity of the food in the inspection register. The Forces have also been advised  to review their internal grievances redressal system and take proactive measures to redress the grievances.

Various measures taken to improve the working conditions etc. in  CAPFs are annexed.

Annexure-'l'

R.S.US.Q.NO. 703 FOR   08.02.2017

Measures taken to improve the working conditions and reduce stress among the force personnel

i) Transparent policies pertaining to transfer and leave of CAPFs and AR personnel. The hospitalization period due to injuries while on duty is treated as on duty. Choice posting is considered to the extent possible after the personnel served in hard area.

(ii) Regular interaction of officers with troops to find out and redress their grievances.

(iii) Ensuring adequate rest and relief by regulating the duty hours.

(iv) Improving living conditions for troops, providing adequate recreational/entertainment, sports, communication facilities etc. Creche  facility is also provided at various establishments (where feasible) to facilitate the female employees.

(v) Facility of retention of government accommodation at the place of last posting (for keeping  the family) while posted in NE State, J&K and LWE affected areas (except State Capitals).

(vi) Providing better medical facilities, also organizing talks with specialists to address their personal and psychological concerns and organizing Meditation & Yoga routinely for better stress management.

(vii) Adequately compensating the troops deployed in difficult areas.

(viii) Other welfare measures like facility of Central Police Canteen (CPC), scholarship for wards etc. Also air courier service has been provided to CAPF personnel deployed in NE States, J&K and LWE affected areas as welfare measure.

(ix) Designating retired CAPF personnel as ex-CAPF personnel for better identity and community recognition.

(x) Promotions are released regularly to eligible personnel as & when the vacancies arise. Financial benefits under  Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) are given in case promotion does not take place for want of vacancies at 10, 20 & 30 years of service.

Besides above, implementation of suitable model for improvement of working conditions of CAPFs & AR is a continuous process and instructions in this regard are issued from time to time by this Ministry.