CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -Indian Army has initiated the process of identifying potential industry partners to implement the Government Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) model for its base workshops and ordnance depots intended to improve operational efficiency. The GOCO model was one of the recommendations of the Lt. Gen. DB Shekatkar (Retd.)

Detailed explanation-2: -The GOCO model was meant to modernise the workshops as well free up the Indian Army from technical maintenance work. Privatisation of military technical services was actively considered in smaller militaries such as of the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany, post the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Detailed explanation-3: -What is GOCO (Government-Owned Company Operated) model? In this model private industries will operate government-assets, sparing them of the need to invest in land, machinery or other support systems. The GOCO model was meant to modernise the workshops as well free up Army personnel from maintenance work.

Detailed explanation-4: -vehicles and equipment to keep the Indian Army operationally ready. There are eight Army Base Workshops (ABWs), of which five ABWs viz 505 ABW, Delhi; 509 ABW, Agra; 510 ABW, Meerut; 512 ABW, Kirkee and 515 ABW, Bengaluru were selected for Performance Audit.