ITBP to grant half-day off to jawans on birthday

The Indo Tibetan Border Police ( ITBP),has decided to grant troopers a half-day off and freedom to remain off uniform on their birthday with cake-cutting as part of a new measure to bolster the morale of the personnel who spend considerable time on duty away from home.

A beginning was made recently at a number of formations of the 90,000-strong border guarding force. According an order issued by the commanding officer of the 51st battalion of the force, deployed in Punjab’s Patiala, the unit notice board will henceforth mention the name of the birthday boy or girl and the personnel will be greeted with a bouquet by a senior official. The unit will celebrate the occasion with a cake-cutting and snacks treat.

The troopers, who will not be in uniform, will also be allowed to wear their best dress and take a half-day off if there are no pressing assignments, the order said.

“Happiness increases when we share it. As our jawans have to live away from their families for long owing to the nature of our task, we have decided to make their birthday special,” the order said.

“This will boost their morale and enhance camaraderie in the unit,” it said.