The defence ministry had earlier said pointed out that there will be no shortage in provisioning of uniforms to soldiers

NEW DELHI: The Indian Army said today that adequate compensation is being given to Jawans for purchasing personal clothing items of uniforms.

A statement issued by the army today reads, “The Seventh Pay Commission has awarded monetary compensation to Jawans for allowing purchase of personal clothing items of uniform to be purchased under arrangement to be made by the Army.”

An annual remuneration of Rs 10,000 has been paid to all Jawans in lieu of selected items of personal clothing, says the statement. “Accordingly, Army has made arrangements for purchase of quality cloth to be made available through CSD outlets and stitching to be carried out under unit arrangements or any other means that the individual Jawans may wish to get their clothing stitched as per authorised specifications,” it said.

“This provision is applicable to Central Armed Police Forces as well. It is, therefore, incorrect and inappropriate to single out Army on this issue through inadequately researched articles in the media,” said the army.

The defence ministry had earlier said pointed out that there will be no shortage in provisioning of uniforms to soldiers and has been attempting to channelise the ordnance factories towards more efficient production of critical stores and equipment.

The ministry also said that the clothing items issued to other ranks and Junior Commissioned Officers will be partly catered from the Dress Allowance authorized by the 7th Pay Commission. The army would procure the remaining items from ordnance factories and the open market. The ministry explained that operationally required clothing continue to be demanded from ordnance factories.

An order worth Rs 1000 Crores for combat dress and other essential items is being placed.