Centre gives Military officers 'financial powers' up to 200cr to tackle procedural delays

On Wednesday, Union Cabinet approved financial powers to clear projects worth Rs 200 crore to senior military officers for capital procurement projects, officials said. deputy chiefs and command heads of armed forces are officers granted this enhanced financial aid.  enhanced powers come in  aspect of challenges faced by defence forces along with China and Pakistan at border.

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An official release of Ministry of Defence said that under 'Or Capital Procurement Procedure' (OCPP) of Defence Acquisition Procedure-2020, financial powers up to Rs 100 crore has been delegated to General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in army, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief in navy, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief in air force at Services Command and regional commanders of Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

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cabinet has also given d for financial powers up to Rs 200 crore.

According to Defence Ministry release,  delegation of power will help in modernization of Armed forces.

"This delegation of powers within Service Headquarters and up to Command Level for items of Capital nature such as overhauls, refits, and upgrades will enhance utility of existing assets and will facilitate faster processing and implementation of projects for modernization of Armed Forces to meet security challenges of nation," release said.

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cabinet has also sanctioned government support up to Rs 50 crore towards cost of prototype development to Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, Vice Chief of Army Staff, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Deputy Chief of Air Staff, and Director General Coast Guard.

release furr stated that, in  line with government's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' for a robust defence industrial ecosystem, financial powers have also been enhanced for or competent financial authorities under 'Make-I' category.

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LAC faceoff

 faceoff at Line of Actual Control was exacerbated when 21 Indian Army soldiers including a Commanding Officer were martyred in Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020, when de-escalation process was underway. This was followed by multiple attempts of provocation by Chinese side at end of August. Multiple rounds of military commander-level and WMCC meetings have taken place between two sides to resolve crisis. Besides this, EAM S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have met ir respective counterparts. 

(With ANI Inputs)