NEW DELHI (PTI): The Government says it is procuring for the Indian Army 1.58 lakh ballistic helmets, which are light weight and have better safety features.

"A contract for procurement of 1,58,279 ballistic helmets through capital routes has been concluded in December 2016," Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a question on Tuesday.

The helmets are being manufactured by a Kanpur-based company, MKU limited, Army sources said, adding they will be light weight and have better safety features.

"There is no shortage of quality protective material for soldiers of the Indian Army fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir," Bhamre said.

Replying to another question, Bhamre said a committee headed by Lt. Gen. (retd) D B Shekatkar has recommended closure of Army Education Corps (AEC).

"The recommendations of the Committee are under consideration of the government," he said.