LT GEN SANJEEV KUMAR SHRIVASTAVA, PVSM, AVSM, E-IN-C
MESSAGE FROM E-IN-C TO ALL RANKS ON MES DAY: 26 SEP 2020
The world has seen an unprecedented crisis in terms of COVID-19 this year. Due to various norms and restrictions promulgated in the country, construction industry was badly affected. MES being one of the largest construction agencies in the country, with a total turnover of ₹ 17,000 crore, was not left untouched. Shortage of labour and breakdown of supply chains have had a severe impact on progress of works. However, many steps have been taken and within the stipulations prevailing within the country, considerable success has been seen. Laudatory efforts put in by all Zones resulted in “No Breakdown of Essential Services” in any station. With zeal and devotion our personnel remained on duty, with many of them moving into the station, without their families, to avoid travel. The members of BAI were also forthcoming and large number of Para 35 works, related to Quarantine facilities and testing labs were undertaken. This all-out effort has won praises from across the hierarchy.
To meet present and future challenges, a number of important cases have been taken up with MoD. These will enhance infrastructure development, enable usage of modern technology, give more flexibility to the executives, simplify the “Rules of Business” and cater for users’ aspirations. Amendment of Table ‘B’ of RMES for purchase of stores on GeM, Performance Security, online digital payment through SBI-CMP and incorporation of better specifications are some of them. Revision of DWP and SoA is also at an advanced stage of sanction with MoD.
To ensure a motivated work force, it has been ensured that pending DPCs for all cadres in various grades are completed. Maximum number of personnel have got their promotions and NFU/ NFSG scales. Efforts have been made to settle the court cases by filing replies, VIP reference cases, RTI applications and any petition which was submitted by our work force.
A few prestigious projects which have been completed are Aircraft Carrier Dry Dock constructed under the aegis of DGNP (Mumbai) and inaugurated by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Hover Port in Gujrat for Indian Coast Guard, Infrastructure for Su-30 Squadron, Joint User Runway of Chandigarh and Runway Up-gradation of A&N Islands. MES is also at the forefront in the field of energy conservation. Towards this 150 MW Solar Photo Voltaic (SPV) projects were targeted and by Mar 2021, most of these will be completed. In addition promotion of green building technologies, GRIHA Norms, LED lights, water recycling and zero liquid discharge has been incorporated. A major achievement in Delhi Cantt has been to go in for Power Trading, thus saving approx ₹ 10.25 crore in tariff.
Computerization and digitization is the need of the hour. Web Based Project Monitoring Portal has been visualized for which techno-commercial proposal has been received from CDAC. This will integrate Project Management Solution, Estimation, Budgeting, e-MB, Construction account and real time monitoring of works. MES complaint monitoring module ARMAAN has also been successfully implemented.
In Married Accommodation Project Phase II, out of 69,904 DUs, 57,888 DUs have been completed, thus raising the satisfaction level of users. The quality of construction has been widely appreciated and six projects have been awarded prestigious CIDC (Central Industrial Development Council) and IBC (Indian Building Congress) awards for best construction in their category. In Phase-III, a total of 79,152 DUs are to be constructed. However, due to limited availability of funds, only eight packages in 13 locations have been taken up for preparation of DPRs. In addition, MoD has agreed to the recommendation for improvement in scales and specifications of MAP Ph III, which will significantly improve the standards of living.
The MES organization, comprising of proficient personnel who are deployed across the length and breadth of the country at remote locations in all types of terrain and inhospitable climatic conditions, has been playing an important role in enhancing the combat effectiveness of the Armed Forces. MES has played an important role in creating COVID facilities in military stations across the country and in maintaining essential services during the ongoing pandemic. The organization is not only fully geared up to provide works services support during peace time but will also provide dedicated support during national crisis including war.
On the occasion of 98th MES Raising Day, I congratulate all MES personnel and urge them to continue dedicating themselves to this great organisation and contribute towards Nation Building by providing better services to the Armed Forces.
