Rahul Gandhi says rank cannot be a determining factor for nutrition in the armed forces. (FILE)
New Delhi:
Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said on Friday that rank could not determine the provision for nutrition in the armed forces and called for a review of related rules.
Participating in a meeting of the Standing Parliamentary Defense Committee, which was convened to discuss the subject of the supply and quality control of rations and livery items to the defense forces, especially in border areas, He said: Providing less food to jawans is “unfair and discriminatory” and should be reconsidered.
Mr Gandhi advocated for the jawans, saying they should get more nutrition as they stand at the borders and defend the country.
We learn that the former head of Congress told the committee that the nutritional value of jawans should be equal to that of officers.
There can be no differentiation in the provision of nutrition based on ranks, he told the panel, adding that ranks can be a determining factor in setting salary, but not nutritional value, said sources.
Officials told Gandhi that officers in the armed forces receive different food items from those served to jawans.
Defense Ministry officials said there was no difference in the quality and quantity of items served, except that officers were given different items than those served to jawans.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defense is chaired by Bharatiya Janata (BJP) party leader and former Union Minister Jual Oram. Members who attended Friday’s meeting included Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Sharad Pawar.
