Govt to buy 7.6 lakh medals for soldiers
The government is scrambling to procure 7.6 lakh medals for soldiers after it came to light that they were forced to procure replicas to wear on their uniforms. As of December 2016, there was a shortfall of 16.82 lakh service medals for army, navy and air force soldiers. The Defence Ministry is working on the proposal for procurement of the medals.
Soldiers buying replica medals
It came to light that army soldiers who have been awarded for their services have been forced to procure replica medals as it takes years for the command to deliver the originals. The replicas are available for Rs. 40-180, at Lal Bazar, Regimental Bazar, Mehdipatnam and Golconda in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The backlog for such medals runs as far as 10 years back.
Medals available for anyone to buy
The replica medals are available for anyone to purchase. People can also buy badges used by forces to designate ranks. They can buy the Samanya Seva medal and the Uchh Tungta medal, used for high-altitude service. Even Kargil war medals are available for sale.
MoD initiates procurement process
Currently there is a shortfall of 15 lakh service medals. The procurement process for the medals will be done in 2 phases. In the first phase, which was initiated on April 3, 7.6 lakh medals will be procured. The Directorate of Military Regulations and Forms will procure another 9.89 lakh medals after that.
