Katoch, Ghanshyam Singh

Jai Narain: The legacy of the unit Bania and canteen contractor system - U.S.I. Journal - 152(628), Apr-Jun, 2022: p.224-236

Bania’ meaning ‘trader’ is a Hindi term which over a period of time is not used positively as it progressively was used to describe shrewd or miserly traders. In the Indian army it has been used since British Indian times with a positive and functional connotation. This article is about the legacy of one such Bania and about the contractor system in past and present armies. This system has proved its worth and therefore survives. In an era where contracting out provisioning of certain items and services to the soldiers for their housekeeping and welfare needs is considered an economical way of functioning, this system requires to be strengthened. – Reproduced


Canteen contractor, Army canteen

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