Military officers get more financial powers to better tackle China-like challenges, cut procedural delays
In a first, the Centre has given financial powers of up to Rs 200 crore to military officers below the level of vice-chief to empower the armed forces to make big-ticket capital procurement and cut down on procedural delays.
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UPDATED: February 18, 2021 07:46 IST
This is the first time such powers have been given below the level of vice-chiefs in view of the emerging security challenges. (PTI)
In a first, the Centre has given financial powers of up to Rs 200 crore to military officers below the level of vice-chief to empower the armed forces to make big-ticket capital procurement and cut down on procedural delays.
Continuing the trend of enhancing the military’s financial powers for buying weapons and equipment, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday enhanced the financial powers of officers at the level of theatre commanders and Deputy Chief of Army Staff (DCOAS).
“According to the approval… financial powers up to Rs 100 crore has been delegated to General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C),” a defence ministry release stated.
Further, financial powers up to Rs 200 crore have been delegated to Deputy Chief of Army Staff/ MGS (Master General Sustenance), COM (Chief of Material), AOM (Air Officer Maintenance), DCIDS (Deputy Chief Integrated Defence Staff) and ADG ICG (Additional Director General Indian Coast Guard), the MoD stated.
The financial powers have been approved for projects under the 'Other Capital Procurement Procedure' category, they said. Financial powers to clear projects worth up to Rs 200 crore have been delegated to Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Air Officer Maintenance and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff as well as to additional director general of Indian Coast Guard.