The concept of TQM was first introduced at Central Armoured Fighting Vehicle Depot (CAFVD), Kirkee in 1996. This was the off-shoot of Quality Circles that were operating successfully in the depot. It has the ... distinction of being the first Army unit to obtain ISO-9002 certifiation. The TQM was introduced in CAFVD, Kirkee with a view to increase the output which is related with the mobility of stroes within Ordnance Depots.

The benefits of TQM are many and gradually all spheres of activities of the depot are being put through it. Besides achieving technical improvements, the TQM Club at the depot has been successfully operating three quality circles since 1996. They are Anant (Control Branch), Jagruti (Safaiwala Group) Rakshak (Packing Section No 2 Sub Depot). Anant was founded by the staff of Control Branch. This quality circle had the proud privilege of participating in the zonal QCFI convention held at Pune and was awarded a trophy for debutante appearance from a defence organisation. Through its regular weekly meetings, Anant had been able to take many measures to improve the work culture.

Consolidated Vital Inability List (CVIL) is an important document and has to remain updated at all times for a better spare parts management. Before the commencement of the quality circle, this document used to take four to eight weeks to get progressed through the normal routine procedures. The Control Branch staff adopted methods to reduce the time to just one week. Anant made its presentation to management and the recommendations of the quality circle were accepted in totality. The system is functioning smoothly and there has been no problem in progressing CVILs.

Anant in its second venture stressed upon the provision of adequate lighting arrangements in the branch. The suggestion mooted by the circle was accepted and the branch now has adequate lighting which allows the clerical staff to perform their duties with comfort.

Anant also stressed a speedy preparation of seven types of CVILs but their progress was not adequate on account of the inadequacy of availability of computer time on sharing basis. Hence, they presented a case to the depot management who in turn took up the same with higher authorities in right earnest and a computer with printer and an independent generator set was provided. The efficiency of the Control Branch has improved tremendously.

All the Master Parts Indices, Electrical Mechanical Engineers Regulations and Maintenance Scales throughout which the unit indents are checked and handled, left a lot of gaps and, therefore, could not be effectively utilised. Anant presented a case to the management for the optimun utilisation of various manuals and the case was accepted.

Jagruti was established by the safaiwalas of the depot. The formation of this circle was lauded by one and all not only in the depot but also by other forums. Jagruti had the rare distinction of participating in Quality Circle Forum of India National Convention held at BMCC College ground at Pune. The Governor of Maharashtra, Dr PC Alexander in his valedictory address applauded the efforts of Jagruti. It has been able to achieve odour free toilets in the CAFVD, creation of green areas in and around the toilet blocks in a phased manner and punctuality at work places.

Rakshak has been started by the workers of packing section in No 2 Sub-depot. Since the functional problems in the packing section are enormous, the quality circle has regular weekly meetings to resolve the problems. Eventually Rakshak could streamline. The total savings accrued to the state through Raksha’s innovative techniques in the packing section is Rs 10,08,500 till date.

Since CAFVD has become trend-setter in adoption of TQM as a practice, every effort is made by the management to bring about a total transition in all spheres of depot activities. The depot hopes to achieve the results of this practice still in a better way in the year to come.