Sir,
The Government spends crores of rupees on food provisions for security personnel based on their nutritional requirements. It must make sure that there is no compromise over it.
The issue pertaining to BSF jawan Tej Bahadur Yadav’s complaint about poor quality food being served at border posts has wider ramifications. There are such large number of armed forces personnel posted in inhospitable areas requiring special quality food. It goes without saying that a stiff and regular monitoring of food and other provisions is strictly called for and the complaint redressal system must be made foolproof.
While maintaining iron discipline, a slight transparency may a go a long way. The security forces may open up for internal discussions common issues like food, clothing, recreation etc. This may ease the tough situations they are often subjected to while away from home. There have been issues of stresses among jawans leading to suicides and “accidental firing” etc.
To treat Yadav’s case in isolation will be grossly unfair. Get rid of the malaise instead of the individual. There may be hundreds of cases of this nature needing correction. Lack of quality control in food has led to ghastly happenings. Do you recall a Bihar incident where some 35 innocent school children died after eating a free mid-day meal about three years ago?
Yours etc….
Devsagar Singh
on e-mail
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