MPs to visit Ladakh to check on soldiers’ requirements

The members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), headed by Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, are likely to visit Leh on October 28-29 to see for themselves how the soldiers are coping with the harsh conditions amid tensions with China, the Hindustan Times reported on Tuesday.

The MPs aim to gain first-hand knowledge about high-altitude clothing for soldiers, housing and rations.

Earlier, Chowdhury had urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla suggesting a PAC visit to the Ladakh sector to interact with soldiers deployed there and understand their working conditions.

Currently, the committee is examining the latest report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) that had pointed out deficiencies in high-altitude clothing and equipment and the need to equip soldiers with proper gear.

PM ने अपने लिए 8400 करोड़ का हवाई जहाज़ ख़रीदा।

इतने में सियाचिन-लद्दाख़ सीमा पे तैनात हमारे जवानों के लिए कितना कुछ ख़रीदा जा सकता था:

गरम कपड़े: 30,00,000
जैकेट, दस्ताने: 60,00,000
जूते: 67,20,000
ऑक्सिजन सिलेंडर: 16,80,000

PM को सिर्फ़ अपनी इमेज की चिंता है सैनिकों की नहीं। pic.twitter.com/uQf038BiJj

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 8, 2020

The Public Accounts Committee also discussed the subject with chief of defence staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and during this meeting Chowdhury asked General Rawat to consider a tour for the MPs to the Ladakh sector. The PAC is expected to meet on October 23 to finalise its itinerary.

The CAG had tabled a report in parliament in February drawing the attention of MPs to the shortage of essential gear, clothing and rations being faced by soldiers deployed in high-altitude areas such as Siachen and Ladakh.

The CAG had pointed out critical shortage of snow goggles and multi-purpose boots for soldiers between November 2015 and September 2016. The Army had then said that the deficiencies mentioned by the CAG have been taken care of and each soldier deployed in Siachen was supplied with gear worth Rs 1 lakh.

The MPs are likely to be briefed by senior army officials and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) scientists during the visit.

Also read: ‘Opening can of worms?’ Chidambaram asks as CAG questions govt on Rafale

It is the PAC’s job to scrutinize the appropriation accounts of the government and CAG reports.

Indian and Chinese forces are gearing up for a long haul in eastern Ladakh even as the harsh winters approach.