What is the history of MES?
Ans. The Engineer Services Organisation for the construction activities of the Government in the form that exists today with Civilians forming the major element of the work force had, in fact, started taking shape in the eighteenth century. Military works were under control of Military Works Branch of the Public Works Department. Later in Dec 1923, Military Works Services was reorganized and designated as ‘MILITARY ENGINEER SERVICES” (MES). Engineer-in-Chief of Royal Engineers borne on the establishment of Army Head Quarters was given the additional charge to head MES in addition to being head of Sappers and Miners. The Colonial arrangement continues to hold till today. MES was kept as a distinct entity and was never made a part of Corps of Engineers. Army officers posted on tenure basis to MES were paid at civil rates from works estimates.
