New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) The Indian Army will soon begin the second phase of its married accommodation project to meet the shortfall in housing the families of a large number of soldiers posted in non-family stations.
The government’s approval is being sought for this and the project will begin soon after this is received, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function to felicitate the children who have won the National Bravery Awards 2007, he said the army would work on a war footing to execute the project.
Replying to a question on the shortfall of officers in the armed forces, Antony said: “In today’s scenario youngsters have many options and the pay packet is much better in other fields than what the armed forces are offering.
“However, for the first time, the armed forces have put their best foot forward by presenting a unified proposal to the Sixth Pay Commission (that is examining the question of better pay and perks for government employees),” the minister added.
He also expressed optimism that the armed forces would get a “better deal” this time around.
Talking to the award-winning children, the defence minister said that their achievements were laudable and were even comparable to those of the armed forces who were guarding the borders in inhospitable terrain and weather conditions.
“I wish you the very best in your life,” said Antony, who spent about half-an-hour with the children and their parents.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will Friday give away the awards to the 22 children – 18 are boys and four girls. Four of the awards will be given posthumously.
The coveted Bharat Award will be given to 17-year-old Babita and 15-year-old Amarjeet of Haryana who saved the lives of their classmates when their school bus fell into a canal.
Another award-winner is 13-year-old Congress Kanwar of Rajasthan who defied her parents’ diktat to tie the knot and stood firm on her determination to continue her studies.
Initiated by the Indian Council for Child Welfare in 1957, the National Bravery Award has completed 50 years of saluting children who, by their sheer grit, courage and determination, have set an example for many to follow.
The award ensures financial assistance to the awardees until they complete their schooling and also reserves seats for them in professional courses such as medicine and engineering.
The award-winning children will be in the forefront of the Republic Day parade on Saturday, riding down Rajpath on gaily-caparisoned elephants.