The Indian Army is beyond incredible, and weâre sure you don't need us to tell you why. These men in green find ways to serve the motherland in ways we cannot even begin to comprehend or imagine.

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They vow to lay down their lives in the service of the nation and display such bravery during crucial moments, that they deserve more than accolades and medallions. 

However, while recognition for their daredevilry and selflessness is the least these bravehearts deserve, they also deserve to carry out the life-threatening missions with the best-in-class gears and weapons. But alas, it seems the Indian Army is teetering with its responsibility to take good care of the ones who are willing to die under orders.

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How dare I say that? Well, because I have reasons.

News has surfaced that the Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) presented a report in both the houses of Parliament which penalised the Indian Army for failing to provide troops in Siachen and Ladakh with essential gears. The CAG took the Army to task for the delay in securing snow goggles, multipurpose boots and other high-altitude clothing and equipment (HACE) for the soldiers deployed in the terrains with sub-zero temperatures.

The Disappointing Reality Of Our Troops

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The lack of these essential gears meant the troops had to face the wrath of nature while performing their duties. The report allegedly claims that between November 2015 and September 2016 soldiers had to survive the cold by recycling boots since there was a shortage of multipurpose boots. The lack of over 750 snow goggles was also brought to light, along with cheaply-built rucksacks that didnât meet the Army standards.

All Thatâs Lacking

Not just that, something as indispensable as sleeping bags and protective face masks for extreme cold were said to be substandard and irregularities in issuing special clothing and mountaineering equipment were also pointed out.

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And as if that wasnât enough, the CAG also reportedly stated that troops in these regions were given lesser rations since food in these areas are said to be âcostlierâ. 

Itâs A Personal Shame

Now, given that these soldiers donât have proper gear, equipment and even sufficient food supplies for that matter, each one of us enjoying our hot cup of tea should feel outraged, if nothing else. These are soldiers who have given up the prime of their lives serving the country in the remotest parts of the country, under the most trying climatic conditions without once complaining about the gazillion sacrifices they make in the name of their motherland.

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But, in return, look at how they are being rewarded. With all the taxes we are coughing up and budget crunches in other sectors we are made to make peace with, the least we can expect from the Indian Army and the Centre is to take care of our troops' basic needs.

When the ones guarding our borders are not being looked after, can the ones within it sleep peacefully at night?

Many people have expressed their anger over the matter on social media since the details came into light.

Shameful, unacceptable. How long will it take for high altitude special clothing to stop being a bloody variable? Army took positions in Siachen in 1984. Not ONCE since that time has special clothing supply been assured without problems. Pathetic. https://t.co/Eg6OQbz7YA

â Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) February 4, 2020

The call for a probe is justified.

Clothing and other things issued to pbor of army ,navy or airforce are of no standard.the quality is pathetic but price is double from local market. Thorough probe needs to b done .As suppliers of these items are retired officers of the tri services.

â Tehmeena Rayees (@tehmray) February 4, 2020

Keep the concern and questions coming.

Just imagine the consequences,the danger,the vulnerability because of this Army deficiencies, I mean our enemies knows about our poor condition that makes our soldiers & our country susceptible.Why is this gov jeopardizing our country and its people?

â varun (ਵਰà©à¨£) (@itsvarunj) February 4, 2020

The insiderâs perspective

CAG pulls up army for critical shortages of equipment issued to troops deployed at Siachen. Key issue is that the authority rests with MoD and the accountability with army. Hopefully structures now stand corrected with DMA.https://t.co/U7lhar17Ga

â Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia (@Ptr6Vb) February 4, 2020

The anger is real

This is not only pathetic but also alarming for us that we can't take proper care of our soldiers standing against all odds to ensure the security of Bharat Mata. https://t.co/uzjAkp9ouS

â Prasun Maitra(পà§à¦°à¦¸à§à¦¨ মà§à¦¤à§à¦°) (@prasunmaitra) February 4, 2020

But, guess what? Despite having heard and read it all, perhaps it wonât take more than closing this story for you to forget about the real issues that concern the countryâs national security. But before you go back to scrolling through your feed, liking and double-tapping on stuff that makes you âLMAOâ, remember you and I owe even that liberty to our troops, who are performing their âdutyâ despite all that is lacking.

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