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Doesn't look like much cutting is happening. Defence spending is actually up (both in percentage as well as in real terms when compared to the same point last year
Antony asks military to prioritize purchases
NEW DELHI: Even as the defence ministry set a new mark in capital spending by October, defence minister A K Antony asked the military top brass to prioritise their purchases so that they don't run out of money for essential acquisitions towards end of the financial year.
Antony's suggestions came during a review of the military budget he had with newly inducted junior defence minister Jitendra Singh, defence secretary, the vice-chiefs of the three services, secretaries of defence production and finance among others.
According to a senior official, the defence ministry has spent Rs 26,500 crore out of the Rs 66,000 crore that is available for capital purchases. In the budget figures placed before Parliament earlier this year, the total capital outlay for defence was Rs 79,578.63 crore, so it is not clear why the defence ministry assessment is based on Rs 66,000 crore.
According to the estimates made for Wednesday's meeting, the ministry has already spent 40% of the capital budget by October. During the same period last year, 38% spending was achieved, sources said. "The booked expenditure this year is better than last year," he said.
In light of the fact that during the last two quarters, there is a rush in finalising capital purchases, Antony asked the three services to prioritise their purchases.
Sources said the minister also asked officials to slot separate review of infrastructure projects, especially those in Arunachal Pradesh. He suggested a special review of the indigenous aircraft carrier being built in Kochi, as well as of some other programmes.
"Towards the end of the financial year, there is always a rush. The minister doesn't want the forces to run short of money for essential buys," a source said.
Antony asks military to prioritize purchases - The Times of India