The Hindu Business Line : Army planning to outsource select non-core activities

THE Indian Army is exploring the possibility of outsourcing select non-core activities such as medical services and training with a view to cutting down on costs, according to Lt Gen Arvind Sharma, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command.

Speaking at a "Meet the Press" programme organised here on Monday by Press Club, Kolkata, Lt. Gen Sharma said, "studies" in this regard were currently being undertaken and a decision would be taken at an appropriate time.

According to him, some initiatives had been taken with regard to the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) as well. The army, he said, would assist the civilian administration in building the infrastructure, especially road infrastructure, that would be required to facilitate trade through the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. "We will take on the task if we are asked to do so. But we are not looking at such tasks from any business angle," he said.

On whether the number of troops would be reduced on the Indian side of the border on the Nathu La Pass once trade through the route commences, he said a decision in this regard would be taken at an appropriate time.

On tackling insurgency and militancy in the region, Lt Gen Sharma said that all organs of the State must come together to resolve problems of such nature. "The media too is a very important adjunct of this particular resolution," he said, and urged the media to be objective in its reporting on army action against militants and insurgents.

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Army planning to outsource select non-core activities