New ration scales for armed forces soon

Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 30

Keeping up with transforming socio-economic conditions as well as climatic and environmental changes that have a direct impact on energy requirements for individuals, the ration scales for armed forces personnel are being revised.
In an unprecedented study, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will also look at formulating ration scales based on the genetic profile of soldiers rather in addition to conventional factors like climate, terrain and work. The study is expected to be completed in six months, Dr Mans Mandal, Director General (Life Sciences), in DRDO told The Tribune during a recent visit here.
At present, there are 17 different scales for ration that are based upon energy requirements for different climatic and geographical conditions, nature of duties and other work related factors. The scales were last revised 10 years ago.
Under the 12th Plan, the Defence Institute of Physiological Research (DIPR) in collaboration with the Armed Forces, is undertaking studies to devise new scales of ration that would meet the requirement of troops under varied economic, environmental and physical conditions. In the 1960s, there were just 4-5 scales, which over a period of time have consistently increased, scientists at DIPR said.