Cdr Conf discusses shortfall, ECHS and other issues

New Delhi, Apr 29 (UNI) Meeting the shortfall in the armed forces, construction of married accommodation and services of Ex Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) were some of the major issues that dominated the Army Commander's Conference here.

The Conference, a half yearly event that focuses on key policy issues, commenced at the Army Headquarters here yesterday.

Defence Minister A K Antony addressed the Conference, which was chaired by Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor.

During the opening address, Gen Kapoor emphasised the need to synergise intelligence set-up and social-indices in insurgency-affected areas.

''Efforts are afoot to increase defence cooperation with foreign countries to enhance inter operability,'' he added.

The conference was told that the A V Singh Committee was in its final stage of implementation, the first phase of the construction project of married accommodation was being expedited, services of ECHS reviewed to make it more user friendly and steps taken to meet the shortfall among the ranks. Additional strength was being utilised to handle high-tech appointment.

Later in the day at Kashmir House, Gen Kapoor gave away the prizes to the winners of COAS Gold Medal Essay Competition 2007-08 on the topics 'Exploitation of Space for the Armed Forces in General and Army in Particular' and Interpersonal Communication and Military Leadership.

The winners of the first category were Lt Col U M Visal (Golden Medal), Lt Col S Desh Pande (Silver Medal) and Col T S Bains (Bronze Medal). The winners of the second essay were Col H S Parmar, Col J S Bhullar and Major Rahul Kulkarni.

UNI AG RL HT1455