Lok Sabha Question No. 2269 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-07-29
Subject: Upgrading capabilities of Soldiers/officers in defence forces
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: Guman Singh Damor

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

## DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2269

TO BE ANSWERED ON 29 th  July, 2022

## UPGRADING CAPABILITIES OF SOLDIERS/OFFICERS IN DEFENCE FORCES

2269. SHRI GUMAN SINGH DAMOR:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  measures  to  destress  and  upgrading  the capabilities of the soldiers and officers serving in the Army, Navy and Air Force; and (b) if so, the details thereof?

## A  N  S  W  E  R

## MINISTER OF STATE (SHRI AJAY BHATT) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

- (a):  Yes, Sir. The Government has taken measures to de-stress and upgrade the capabilities of the soldiers and officers serving in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
- (b):  Details of the measures taken to de-stress and upgrade the capabilities of soldiers and officers serving in the Army, Navy and Air Force areas follows: -
- (i) Measures taken to de-stress.  Following provisions are being implemented to de-stress the soldiers and officers: -
1. The training of soldiers and officers including recruit training for soldiers and  pre-commissioning  for  officers,  is  conducted  as  per  a  well-planned schedule,  wherein  they  are  exposed  to  progressive  levels  of  stress  at physical and mental levels in order to undertake assigned duties.
2. Annual  planning  of  major  training  and  administrative  events  to  provide stability and predictability in commitments of personnel.
3. In order to de-stress the soldiers and officers their daily/ weekly routine & training  schedule  is  well  spaced  out  and  is  designed  to  improve  their physical and mental capabilities.
4. Annual & Casual leave as per authorization.
5. Regular  interaction,  monitoring  &  screening  of  personnel  by  means  of formal  &  informal  interaction  during  routine  activities,  interviews  and sainiksammelans at Unit, Formation and Station level.
6. Mechanism  for  redressal  of  grievances  at  Unit,  Formation  and  Station levels.

7. Provision of psychological counsellors and medical facilities for personnel in need.
8. Concept  of  'Buddy  Pairs'  and  'ChaarYaar'  wherein,  personnel  have common daily routine and interact regularly in order to ensure moral and mental  support, and  identify cases of personnel with stress related problems, well in time.
9. Welfare activities including provision of married accommodation, recreation facilities, schooling  and  higher  education  for  children,  to provide stability in discharging domestic responsibilities.
10. High  quality  infrastructure  for  sports  and  amenities  at  Unit  and  Station level to promote better physical and mental health.
5. (ii) Measures taken to upgrade capability.Following provisions are being implemented  to  improve  the  mental  well-being  and  upgrade  capability  of soldiers and officers: -
1. All personnel are well trained on the service matters including weapons, equipment  and  administration  in  order  to  gain  confidence  and  desired proficiency to discharge mandated tasks and duties.
2. Operations oriented training with reduced emphasis on ceremonial tasks.
3. The  training  curriculum  is  aimed  at  ensuring  overall  development  and grooming of the soldiers and officers to be able to undertake duties as per task and role at various stages in service life.
4. Well-spaced out training schedule and daily/ weekly routine.
5. Timely  promulgation  &  proliferation  of  information  related  to  pay  and allowances, entitlements, welfare schemes and provisions for serving and retired personnel including soldiers and officers, in order to re-assure and inspire confidence and faith in the organization.
6. Utilisation of simulators for more effective training where applicable.
7. A Tri-Service  study  has  been  completed  to  identify  the  lead  service  for training  on  certain  equipment/  trades.  Also,  the  study  has  recommended the  adoption  of  best  practices  prevalent  in  the  three  services  to  ensure better training of serving officers and men.
8. The  training  patterns  are  continuously  reviewed  to  align  them  with  the requirements of modern warfare. New disciplines such as IT, Cyber, Space have  been  introduced.  Further,  training  patterns  have  been  reviewed  to capitalize on the already available talent with the inducted personnel.

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