The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has moved a proposal to the Union Home Ministry seeking to replace close to 50,000 heavyweight bullet-proof (BP) jackets with light variants in the next three years.
While the heavyweight gears weigh 14.2 kg, the lighter ones weigh between 7.1 to 7.5 kg depending upon the standard, large and extra large sizes, according to the Qualitative Requirements approved by the Union Home Ministry. The paramilitary has proposed that the presently available heavyweight jackets should be phased out in equal numbers in 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20.
The move to replace the heavier BP Jackets with the latest ones made of composite materials is being taken following demands from various sectors of the Paramilitary for replacing the heavier type of protective gear.
Against an authorisation of 1,22, 485 BP Jackets, the Paramilitary has 95,073 units available out of which 46,671 are light weight and 48,402 heavy weight ones. The net deficiency is 27, 412 even as procurement procedure for 7,000 light weight jackets are underway in the current financial year. Remaining 20,412 units of BP Jackets will be procured in the next fiscal (2016-17) and subsequent years, according to Government data.
“The weight of light BP Jackets is significantly lower than those of the heavy weight jackets facilitate easy movement of troops during operations. This will enhance operational performance,” an official said, adding efforts are being made to reduce the weight of BP Jackets without compromising on protection level.
light weight jackets made of Kevlar not only increases mobility and safety but also enhances strength by reducing fatigue and helps in minimising casualties. Other composite materials like aramide are also known to enhance protective characteristic without increase in weight of such gears, officials said.
Demands for lightweight BP Jackets have emanated from various Sectors including Chhattisgarh, Srinagar, Jorhat, Tripura and CoBRA. Maximum number of BP jackets is available with paramilitary’s units in Naxal areas with 61,726 such protective gears.
Officials said the there is a significant shortage of Bullet Proof Helmet/Patkas in CRPF. Against an authorized sanction for 1,22,485 BP Helmet/Patkas, availability of the same is just 1,853 including 762 such helmets and 1091 patkas and the total deficiency is 1,20, 632. Procurement of 10,000 BP Patkas is in advance stage and is likely to be completed in the ongoing fiscal, officials added.