Antony asks officers and commanders to become more accessible to jawans

Defence Minister A K Antony today urged officers and commanders of the armed forces to lay more emphasis on the humanitarian aspect, and asked them to become more accessible to jawans.

New Delhi, Aug 14 : Defence Minister A K Antony today urged officers and commanders of the armed forces to lay more emphasis on the humanitarian aspect, and asked them to become more accessible to jawans.

In a radio address to the soldiers of the armed forces on the eve of country's 60th year of Independence, Antony said: "The urgent need of the hour is to take all possible steps to reduce stress on jawans," adding, "Senior officers must provide more opportunities for enhanced interaction with junior officers."

He cautioned jawans not to be provoked while operating in insurgency prone areas, and urged them to act in patience by respecting the human rights of innocent civilians.

"I understand the stressful conditions under which our jawans operate, particularly in areas affected by insurgency. Though the provocation can be extreme at times, I request you all to respect the human rights of innocent civilians," he said.

Antony, who delivered his address in Hindi, outlined recent measures of the government like increased allowance for soldiers posted in hostile areas and expressed hope that the Sixth Pay Commission would provide "valid facilities" for country's armed forces.

"Recently, the Union Cabinet has increased the allowance for personnel posted in remote areas to Rs. 3, 734 per month and that of officers to Rs. 5, 600 per month," he said.

He also reiterated his government's commitment to improve the status of women in armed forces.

"Women officers will now be eligible for promotion at par with Short Service Commissioned officers to the posts of Captain, Major and Lieutenant Colonel on completion of two, six and 13 years of service respectively," he said.

ANI