More bud allocation needed to balance military needs: Official

A top Defence Ministry official on Friday indicated that more budgetary allocation is required to balance the military needs as well as the economic development expenditure of the key sector particularly in view of the recent incidents in the country involving external forces.

"Although the defence budget looks to the large volume, but these are not the sheer numbers ... the size and the breadth of the country ... even that kind of budget looks very small," said Sunil Kumar Kohli, who took over as the Financial Advisor to Defence Services early this month.

Recalling his recent discussions with Finance Ministry officials, he said, "Even on pension budget, Rs 82,000 crore is not sufficient for us. I had asked for almost a lakh crore for pension budget."

The official, who had worked within Defence Accounts Department (DAD) in various capacities before assuming the top post, spoke about the need for bringing "fiscal discipline" in the defence sector. He also advised various services under the ministry to "plan properly" to achieve on time each and everything related to their departments.

"Fiscal discipline we will teach you and rest of the discipline we learn from all of you," Kohli said, addressing coast guard officials after commissioning two fast patrol vessels for the maritime force built by Cochin Shipyard Limited.

Noting that all kind of economic activities are increasing, he said in fact, the ministry required a huge amount for development expenditure.

"It becomes very difficult even to balance the military needs as well as the economic development expenditure. Looking at the size and breadth of the country and the vulnerability and the kind of threats which are coming, even to guard inside the country becomes problematic..."

"Each and every area, even taking care of the inventory — each gun or each missile — requires specialised kind of equipment," he added.