Improvements in the scale and variety of rations being provided to troops of the Army is essential to achieve superior satisfaction levels, thus leading to high morale and enhanced combat capability.  It has always been the endeavour to bring in such enhancements and a large number of measures have been taken in this regard in the recent past.
 
            Atta.       The procurement procedure of atta has been modified and branded atta from reputed vendors is being procured on a pilot project basis at select stations, which has been positively welcomed by the troops.  This would be extended to other stations also in a time bound manner.
 
            Special Rations.     Sanction has been accorded for authorization of special rations to all troops deployed above 12000 feet.  This would go a long way in meeting the physiological and psychological needs to troops deployed at such inhospitable terrain and climate.
 
            Fruits Fresh.            Presently JCOs and Jawans are auth 230 grams of fruits thrice a week.  Fruits fresh is an essential input for intake of minerals and vitamins.  Scale of fruits fresh has now been enhanced from 230 grams thrice a week to 230 grams on a daily basis.  With this the scale of fruit fresh for Offrs and Jawans has been made identical.           
 
            Eggs. One of the major shortcomings observed in the scale of rations was the lack of variety for breakfast for JCOs and Jawans.  In almost all units, the breakfast menu is invariably Poories and Sabji, which over a period of time gets extremely monotonous.  This was partially addressed by introduction of 115 grams of bread in lieu of atta / rice for four times a week in Jun 2006.  However, eggs which are the normal accompaniment to bread was not authorized to JCOs and Jawans which has now been addressed by authorization of two eggs every day.  This would result in meeting the long standing requirement to provide variety in the diet of troops especially for breakfast.
 
            Condiment Allowance.  A significant rise in condiment allowance has been brought about, which has now been enhanced to Rs 76.62 per man per month.  This would cater to the high inflation and resultant rise in prices of these commodities especially in far flung areas.
 
            The above measures would make a positive and credible impact directly on troops and hence would go a long way in enhancing their morale by meeting their genuine aspirations.