Armed Forces Families' Welfare Govt Responsibility:Antony

New Delhi, Aug 14 (UNI) Underscoring the dedication of the Armed Forces in guarding the country's frontiers, Defence Minister AK Antony today said it was the Government's responsibility equally to take care of their families and dependents to lessen their stress as much as possible.

Addressing the Armed Forces personnel in a broadcast over All India Radio on the eve of Independence Day 2007, the Defence Minister observed that the members of the Armed Forces guarded the nation's frontiers on land, in air and sea at great personal risk.

''It is difficult to live away from one's families and work in adverse climatic conditions... While performing your duties, you have to face several other challenges on the personal and professional front... The urgent need of the hour is to take all possible steps to reduce stress on jawans....'' In this regard, he urged the Officers and Commanders to emphasise the humanitarian side through a more humane man-management. ''Senior officers must provide more opportunities for enhanced interaction with junior officers... The Officers and Commanders must become more accessible to jawans....'' He said the Government was fully committed to supporting the Armed Forces by providing latest arms, ammunition and equipment to help them perform their duties more effectively.

''However, the real strength of our Armed Forces lies in enhancing the quality and well-being of its human component... Thus, we remain firm in our resolve to ensure the welfare of Armed Forces personnel... We want that the defence personnel should get the best available material and resources....'' Recently, the Union Cabinet 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. The Cabinet also decided to remove the restriction of 1,450 kms on availing Leave Travel Concession and make all service personnel eligible to undertake leave journey to their choice-station without any restriction on distance.

Besides, Army personnel deployed in field areas shall be eligible for an additional railway warrant every year.

Observing that the Armed Forces were engaged in fighting terrorism and anti-national elements under stressful conditions, the Defence Minister urged them to respect the human rights of innocent civilians ''though the provocation can be extreme at times''.

''The task is really difficult and utmost patience and tact is required to meet these and other such challenges....'' Ex-servicemen, he further said, were an important part of the Armed Forces. ''We should make every possible effort to utilise their vast experience more productively and help them in leading a more meaningful retired life.'' UNI