Pune: Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh reviewed the operational preparedness as well as measures to fight COVID-19 with all the Commanders in Chief through a video conference on Friday.
Along with Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff and Secretary DMA General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane, Chief of Navy Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Secretary Defence (Finance) Gargi Kaul were also present in the conference.
Directed to avoid wastage
Singh, in his address, appreciated the role of the Armed Forces for the assistance extended to the local civilian administration and preparatory measures taken to fight COVID-19. He expected the forces to ensure their operational preparedness, while they are battling COVID-19 and the adversary should not be allowed to exploit the current situation. He also directed the forces to initiate measures to spend the financial resources, avoiding wastage in view of the economic burden imposed by COVID-19.
Prioritise tasks
Stressing on the requirement of jointness of the Armed Forces, Rajnath Singh asked the Commanders in Chief to identify and prioritise tasks that could be accomplished quickly and assist in the revival of the economy after the lockdown is lifted.
During the conference, the Commanders in Chief appraised MoD Rajnath Singh of various measures put in place by them to prevent virus infection among the forces and assistance extended to the local civilian administration. These include the issue of SoPs on COVID-19, the introduction of appropriate modifications in protocols and drills as per the advisories issued by Ministry of Health and other agencies and taking care of the Ex-Servicemen and their families residing in their respective command areas.
The Commanders appreciated recent devolution of emergency financial powers by the Ministry of Defence that has ensured timely procurement of necessary medical supplies, to bolster the health infrastructure of the hospitals.
Northern Command, Eastern Command, Southern Naval Command, Western Naval Command, Southern Command, South-Western Command, Western Air Command, Eastern Naval Command, Central Air Command, South-West Air Command, Southern Air Command, Central Command and Andaman & Nicobars Command were present.
