DNA Edit: No langar, please, but increase soldiers’ Ration Money Allowance

An Army marches on its stomach. However, the Indian government’s efforts in satisfying the soldier’s appetite have been dismal. The Home Ministry in 2014 hiked the daily ration allowances of non-gazetted ranks in the central paramilitary forces from around Rs 86 to Rs 96.

This is an increase of barely 12 per cent. Account for inflation and the 12 per cent increase is further cut to size. Ironically, and much to the dismay of the paramilitary and armed forces, the Ration Money Allowance (RMA) given to these troops remained unchanged even after the Seventh Pay Commission.

The Pay Commission conveniently passed the buck on increasing the RMA on the ground that it was periodically revised by the Home and Defence Ministries. Add to this, the poor quality of food served by the mess. No surprise then that the CRPF personnel guarding Amarnath pilgrims are more than likely to give in to the temptation of eating pooris and curries served along with a large helping of sweets by pilgrims.

Assuming a stern tone, the CRPF leadership has sent an advisory to the field units directing them to ensure that no personnel on security duty helps himself to the oil-rich, heavy langar food that can lead to them “letting their guard down” and compromising on their vigilance. While this direction is kosher, the rank and file of the forces would heartily welcome increases in the monthly allocations to RMAs and an uptick in the daily calorie intake.