ARMED FORCES GET STRONGER FINANCIAL MUSCLE

NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday approved the expansion of financial powers to the armed forces for revenue procurement to cut delays in making purchases for operational preparedness and quickly meet requirements of the field formations.

The defence ministry said the delegated financial powers of vice chiefs of the services have been increased by 10% subject to an overall ceiling of `500 crore.

It said the primary focus of the enhanced delegation of financial powers is to empower field commanders and other officials to procure equipment and “war-like stores” in a speedy manner for urgent operational necessities and meeting essential sustenance requirements.

A new schedule on the hiring of aircraft and associated equipment has been introduced for the Indian Air Force which includes the hiring of air-to-air refuellers.

Singh described the decision on expanding the financial powers as “another big step towards defence reforms”.

The ministry said the enhanced delegation of financial powers to functionaries in service headquarters and lower formations would result in quicker decisionmaking at all levels and ensure better planning and operational preparedness.

“Another big step towards defence reforms has been to strengthen security infrastructure. Financial powers have been devolved to field formations with focus on operational preparedness; promote ease of doing business and jointness among Services,” Singh tweeted.