Defence spending goes frugal under Parrikar

Defence spending is a touchy subject, with some former generals, air marshals and navy commanders taking up commission jobs. None of the incumbents would seem to be taking risks, with budget outlays remaining largely unspent. The situation is because of heavy paybacks witnessed during the Congress regimes. The situation is no different despite Manohar Parrikar, known to be restless till the work is done, taking over as the Defence Minister. Known for probity, he would appear to be taking no risks either. As a result, Rs.37,000 crore of the Ministry's modernisation budget remained unutilized till December-end. The Army is said to be struggling the most, having spent only 45% of the capital allocation in 2014-15. The Ministry could now be falling short of signing deals worth Rs. 1 lakh crore. The Air Force had been able to spend funds at a good pace. Likewise, the Defence Research and Development Organisation has been able to spend 64% allocation. The DRDO makes missiles for the three services. If the Rafale deal is clinched, the Air Force could spend big time. In any case, the three services should at least be able to spend their respective allocation to make the country fighting fit. The Minister must take the responsibility to modernise the forces with the respective service chief, eliminating the possibility of contractors influencing the decisions. While in case of Boeing, there may have been kickbacks. But the Bofors Gun fired true during the Kargil War. So there should be no let down in regard to Services modernization.