Effective comm. system integral for a responsive force in defence network, says Patil

New Delhi, Feb 15 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil on Monday said that effective communication systems are essential to build a truly networked and a responsive force in the defence network of the country.

Addressing the centenary year celebrations of the corps of Signals in the national capital, President Patil said: "Mandated to provide secure and reliable strategic, operational and tactical communications, the dedicated officers and men of the Corps of Signals, have performed their duties with excellence by providing vital communication support to the armed forces, through the years, both in times of peace and war," Patil said.

Appreciating extraordinary contribution of the Indian Army's Corps of Signals, President Patil described them as the "Information Warriors of the Country."

She acknowledged that the 90,000-strong force of Corps of Signals was engaged in diverse activities necessary for building a strong information communication strategy.

The Corps of Signals, the vital communication outfit of India, was established on February 15, 1911.

"Today, the Corps of Signals enters into 100th year of its odyssey, as communicators for our defence forces. It was on this historic day in 1911, that the first two Signal Companies were raised at Fatehgarh," President Patil said.

"It is now a 90,000 strong and vibrant force engaged in diverse activities including provision of communication, information technology, electronic warfare and signal intelligence," Patil added.

The Corps of Signals is responsible for providing full-scale communication and electronic warfare support to the Army and even operational links for the Indian Navy and the Air Force in times of war as well as peace.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister A K Antony, on this occasion, praised the Corps of Signals for its immense contribution in effective functioning of the armed forces.

"The Corps has made a commendable contribution in disaster relief operations and in encountering terrorism and insurgency. Various friendly foreign countries have expressed their keenness to gain rom the expertise of the Corps of Signals in the field of communication technology. I am sure the Corps of Signals will grow from strength to strength and contribute to be a vital component of our defence preparedness," Antony said. (ANI)