Military commanders get more spend ability

Financial powers of military commanders have been increased as regards purchase of items for local use. With the forces operating in varied climate conditions, the needs vary. Troops in Siachen need special clothing and shoes, while those in hot or humid areas will have different requirements. Similarly, the needs of those posted at the IAF base in Leh would not match with those at the Bathinda IAF base.
The need for the military commanders to consult the Ministry of Defence-appointed integrated financial advisers (IFAs) for every small purchase has been done away with for procuring items as per local needs.The new rules, the Delegation of Financial Powers to Defence Services-2016, were notified yesterday and would be applicable to the Army, Navy and the Air Force. The 182-page document lists out how the money can be spent. There will be two set procedures — one without IFA consultation, and the second with IFA consultation (when the expenditure is beyond a certain sum).This fiscal review shall override the DFPDS-2006.
The one carried out in 2015 was held in abeyance after the three services protested against the impracticability of bringing almost every spending under the MoD-appointed IFAs consultation. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar formed a panel that submitted its report in June. He then okayed the new rules.“The powers of the GOC-in-C, Northern Command, will be thrice the (existing) powers for winter stocking and operational purposes,” the notification said. The annual ceiling would remain Rs 400 crore.

tribune