Indian Army's Convoy Movements Focus on Civilian Safety and Friendly Engagement

The Indian Army ensures that convoy movements are conducted with minimal disruption to the public, as stated by Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth in Parliament. Responding to concerns about traffic halts on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for military movements, Seth clarified that civilian traffic, including ambulances, is not unnecessarily stopped. He emphasised that the Army follows strict procedures to ensure smooth operations.

Security Measures and Traffic Regulation

To prevent potential threats like attacks on convoys, road opening parties are deployed before any military movement. Traffic is temporarily managed at intersections and U-turns during these operations. The responsibility for regulating civilian traffic lies with state authorities or the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Seth assured that ambulances receive priority and are not delayed by security forces.

In response to another inquiry, Seth addressed whether memorials have been built in villages where soldiers were laid to rest. He confirmed that no such memorials exist, but highlighted the National War Memorial in Delhi as a tribute to fallen soldiers. The monument's Tyag Chakra walls bear the names of all battle casualties, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered.

Policy on Memorial Construction

When asked if there are plans to change the policy regarding village memorials for martyred soldiers, Seth stated that no such proposal is under consideration. The current policy remains unchanged, focusing on a centralised commemoration at the National War Memorial.

In a separate response, Seth detailed financial support provided under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme. Since January 2023, Rs 120 crore has been allocated, with Rs 43.89 crore disbursed to industries. The scheme has supported 16 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and 20 startups since January 2022.

Technology Development Fund Support

Over the past five years, 42 projects costing Rs 182.41 crore for MSMEs and 25 projects costing Rs 59.47 crore for startups have been approved under the TDF scheme. As of now, 26 technologies have been successfully developed through this initiative, showcasing significant progress in technological advancements.

The government's efforts in supporting industries through the TDF scheme reflect its commitment to fostering innovation and development within the country. This initiative aims to bolster technological capabilities and promote growth among MSMEs and startups across India.