PASTED BELOW IS AN EXHAUSTIVE PRESS NOTE ISSUED BY
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE HIGHLIGHTING AK ANTONY'S TENURE AS DEFENCE MINISTER.
WITHOUT COMMENT. MAY BE IF TIME PERMITS, I WILL ANALYSE THE TENURE AT A LATER DATE.
SUFFICE TO SAY, THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO SHORE UP HIS IMAGE AT A TIME WHEN AK ANTONY IS FACING THE HEAT FOR THE FIRST TIME.
“33”
pib.nic.in
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PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING)
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
*********
New Delhi: 14 Phalguna 1935
Wednesday, 05 March 2014
Introduction
On 26 October 2006, taking the baton from Shri Pranab Mukherjee,
Shri AK Antony assumed office as India’s 29th Defence Minister. Taking over when the UPA-1 was halfway through its term, Shri Antony has remained
as the Defence Minister for nearly seven and a half years, making him India’s longest serving in the portfolio.
Both
in 2006 and then again 2009 when the UPA returned to power for a second
term, Shri Antony highlighted his key priorities in the
demanding post: ramping up India’s defence preparedness, modernising
the armed forces, strengthening security measures and apparatus across
the board, including coastal security, fast-tracking infrastructure
development in the North East and border areas,
improving the lives of service personnel, including their
accommodation, ration, food and clothing. And last, but certainly not
least, ensuring absolute transparency in the complex defence procurement
process.
After
a couple of months’ in-depth briefing at the South Block, Shri Antony
had embarked on extensive tours to various Defence establishments. His
visits stretched from Siachen in
north to Thiruvananthapuram in south, from Tawang in North East to
Minicoy in South west. He met with Jawans and officers in difficult
terrains and prodded them to share their frank views regarding the
difficulties and challenges faced by them. Based on these
briefings, interactions and meetings, he relentlessly pursued the
process modernization of the Armed Forces and also brought about far
reaching changes in the lives of serving and retired military personnel.
Some of the changes, e.g., breaching the barriers
in the allocation of eggs and fruits to jawans are illustrative of the
depth to which Shri Antony delved to bring about pragmatism in military
administration.
The
coming of age of five long standing projects- the induction of MBT
Arjun in Indian Army, the induction of LCA Tejas in IAF, the arrival of
INS Vikramaditya for Indian Navy, significant
strides in India’s first indigenous nuclear powered submarine, INS
Arihant, which made substantial progress and achieved ‘criticality’ and
successful completion of trials for underwater launched ballistic
missile system- BO5, thus, completing the triad for
nuclear deterrence, all happened under his stewardship.
Shri Antony also worked steadfastly to create a healthy environment for the participation of
the Indian industry-both public and private, in the research, development and manufacturing of defence products.
During
this period, the Indian Armed Forces also went for a systematic force
projection in the immediate neighbourhood and far off Asian region by
engaging many countries through
exercises and defence diplomacy.
The
period also witnessed scaling of new heights by armed forces personnel
in fields like sports and adventure activities. Besides, in a first of
its kind experience, the Indian
Military under the leadership of Shri Antony, conducted the 4th
CISM Military World Games, an event which is only second to the
Olympic Games in
size. Over 5000 participants from nearly 100 countries took part in the
event. The Games were held at Hyderabad and Mumbai and were conducted
in a professional manner with military precision. India received
worldwide appreciation for the smooth conduct of
the Games.
MODERNISATION, CAPACITY BUILDING
AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Shri
Antony has presided over some
of the most eventful years in the chequered history of the Indian Armed
Forces, adding potent muscle to their capabilities. There have been
landmark acquisitions and many more are in the pipeline.
Navy
Amongst the three Forces, the Indian Navy perhaps acquired the maximum number of platforms and
systems towards its goal of acquiring a blue water capability.
The Indian Navy finally inducted its second aircraft carrier 44,500 tonne
INS Vikramaditya giving a big boost to the Navy’s blue water capabilities.
Shri Antony commissioned the carrier at a ceremony held at the Sevmash Shipyard in Severodvinsk, Russia on 16
November 2013. Having undergone extensive refurbishment and refit
over the past few years, the Vikramiditya has the ability to carry over
30 aircraft comprising an assortment of MiG 29K/Sea Harrier, Kamov 31,
Kamov 28, Sea King, ALH-Dhruv and Chetak
helicopters. The MiG 29K swing role fighter is the main offensive
platform and provides a quantum jump for the Indian Navy’s maritime
strike capability. These fourth generation air superiority fighters
provide a significant fillip for the Indian Navy with
a range of over 700 nm (extendable to over 1,900 nm with inflight
refueling) and an array of weapons including anti-ship missiles, Beyond
Visual Range air-to-air missiles, guided bombs and rockets. The carrier
has been berthed at the Karwar Naval Base on the
Western Coast and awaits its formal induction into the Western Fleet,
in the near future.
In August, 2013, a major boost to our nuclear deterrence capability was achieved with the miniaturized
nuclear reactor onboard
Arihant having achieved criticality.
India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier IAC-1 (Vikrant)
was launched at Cochin Shipyard Limited on August 12, 2013. This is a
significant capability demonstration as it has placed India into the
group of select countries which can design and build aircraft carriers
of around 40,000 tonnes.
Indian Naval Aviation received major fillip with the arrival of the first
Boeing P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti-Submarine Warfare (LRMRASW) aircraft on May 15, 2013.
In line
with force accretion that cannot stop, the Indian Navy, the youngest of
India’s Armed Forces, also inducted the first fully indigenously
assembled
Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) at INS Dega, Vishakhapatnam on 06 November. The
GSAT-7, a dedicated communication satellite for the Indian Navy,
was launched on 30 August last year, providing an enormous, if initial,
boost to the Navy’s network centric war-fighting capability based on an
indigenous platform.
In total
28 Ships were inducted/acquired during the period under review including 03 Shivalik Class Frigate (Shivalik, Satpura & Sahyadri), 03 Teg Class Frigate (Teg,
Trikhand & Tarkash), 02 tankers (Deepak & Shakti), 01 Landing Platform Dock-
Jalashwa, 03 Landing Ship Tank Large (Shardul, Kesari & Airavat), 01 Sail Training Ship –Sudarshini,
02 Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (Saryu & Sunayna), 10 Fast Attack Craft –Trinkat class,
01 Catamaran Hull Survey Ship –
Makar and 01 Nuclear submarine-
Chakra. Besides,
45 ships are in the pipelines in various shipyards.
In this
period, 03 P8I, 06 AJT Hawk, 02 UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) – Heron,
18 Mig 29K and 06 UH3H Helicopters (along with Jalashwa) were inducted
into the Navy.
Indian Air Force
The IAF too was not way behind; the acquisition of
C-130J Hercules and
C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft marked a new era of strategic
military sales from the US. The IAF took a quantum leap with the
induction of
AWACS-- eye-in-the-sky surveillance aircraft with collaborative
technologies from Russia and Israel, in May, 2009. The IAF also acquired
the long awaited UK-built
AJT Hawk-132 in February, 2008 and inducted the Basic Trainer Aircraft
Pilatus PC 7 MK II from Switzerland in May last year, while the Russian made
Mi-17-V5 choppers were inducted in February, 2012 and the Boeing
Business Jet for VVIP travel in April, 2009. Much ground has been
covered during these seven years for the acquisition of the 126 MMRCA
fighter jets. In 2007, India and Russia signed a
landmark inter-governmental agreement for the joint development and
production of the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft and a Multi-role
Transport Aircraft.
The IAF has kept pace with contemporary advancement and has continued to modernize its infrastructure in a phased manner.
The
IAF is upgrading 6 Advanced Landing Grounds (ALG) in the Eastern Sector
(Pasighat, Mechuka, Walong, Tuting, Ziro and Vijaynagar) as well as
several helipads in Arunachal Pradesh.
This comes after the activation of Western Sector ALGs like Daulat Beg Oldie, Fukche and Nyoma in Eastern Ladakh.
New Air Field in Phalodi:
Bridging
the gap in Air Defence in the Western Sector, a new Indian Air Force
(IAF) airfield, replete with modern infrastructure has become
operational at Phalodi in Rajasthan.
The airbase located between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur will straddle the
distance between the two airbases. The base is ready to undertake all
types of operations of IAF.
In an another significant
capability demonstration move by the IAF, a C130J
Super Hercules aircraft
landed at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) airstrip located at 16614 feet (5065
meters) in the Aksai Chin area after taking off from its home base at
Hindon, on 20 August 2013..
New Air Force Station At Thanjavur:
The
Defence Minister Shri AK Antony dedicated to the nation the New Air
Force Station at Thanjavur on 27 May 2013. Thanjavur would strengthen
the air defence capabilities
of the Indian Air Force in general and the Southern Command, in
particular.
SU-30MKI in NE
The
Su-30 aircraft was formally inducted at Air Force Station Tezpur on 15
June 2009. SU-30 MKI aircraft was inducted into Air Force Station at Chhabua
base in Assam on 01 March 2011 and again at Air Force Station Halwara on 05 September 2012.
Towards
enhancing its Air Defence capabilities, the IAF inducted the first
Medium Power Radar on 03 Jun 2011. This state of the art radar would
strengthen the air defence in the
Surashtara Kutch region as a part of radar upgradation programme. It
forms an important component in the IAF’s plan to achieve network
centric operations.
Army
Mountain Strike Corps
Breaking India’s strategic planning out of the cocoon, Shri Antony’s tenure witnessed the government’s nod for the raising of
Army’s first Mountain Strike Corps along the China border in the North
East, reflecting the country’s widening strategic horizon. The Strike
Corps will provide decisive lighting reaction offensive capabilities.
Expected to cost Rs. 65,000 crores, the proposed strike corps is headquartered at Panagarh in West Bengal.
The corps
will draw support from IAF fighters operating from renovated bases in
the northeast. Sukhoi 30 MkIs have been deployed at bases in Tezpur and
Chhabua. In addition, Jorhat, Bagdogra,
Hashimara and Mohanbari bases are also being upgraded.
After a gap of 29 years, the Army has also raised two mountain infantry divisions- one under the Rangapahar based 3 Corps in Nagaland
and the other, under the Tezpur- based 4 Corps in Assam under the Army’s Eastern Command.
The Army has also added an array of ballistic missile capabilities.
The
major acquisitions undertaken by the Army were focused on building new
capabilities and making up deficiencies. Modernisation of the mechanized
forces is underway
to meet the requirements of the future battle field. At the same time
indigenous development of combat vehicle platform for the future is also
being progressed.
The
Corps of Army Air Defence is taking major strides in upgrading its gun
and missile systems. The project for automation of Air Defence Command
and Reporting system is also progressing.
In addition modernization of logistics installations with
state-of-the-art warehousing facilities, retrieval and accounting
systems is also underway. Army has also enhanced its interactions with
DRDO so that planned projects are completed.
Electronic
surveillance devices such as unmanned ground sensors, Battle Field
Surveillance Radars, Infra Red Sensors, Hand held thermal imagers etc
have been introduced to assist
in counter terrorism operations. The Army has also developed Network
Centric Warfare concept for a digitized battlefield of the future. The
Army is adequately prepared to operate in the prevailing NBC environment
in the region and these capabilities are regularly
reviewed keeping in view the changing threat scenario, as required.
Indian Coast Guard
Since
the 2008 Mumbai attacks, in persistent efforts to secure India’s vast
coastline, stretching over 7,500 kilometres including our island
territories, the Government has approved
the setting up of 14 new Indian Coast Guard Stations, to augment the
existing 28. The Indian Coast Guard commissioned a new generation
Offshore Patrol Vessel, ICGS Vishwast, built in India by Goa Shipyard,
and the Pollution Control Vessel, ICGS Samudra Prahari,
built by the private sector ABG Shipyard in Surat during the last
year.
Altogether
79 vessels and boats were commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard
during the period under review including two Advance Offshore Patrol
Vessels (Sankalp and Samrat), three Offshore Patrol Vessels (Vishwast,
Vijit and Vaibhav), two Pollution Control vessels (Samudra Prahari and
Samudra Paheredar), four Fast Patrol Vessels (Savitribai Phule, Aadesh,
Abheek and Abhinav), 10 Inshore Patrol Vessels
(Rani Abbakka, Rajshree, Rajtarang, Rajkiran, Rajkamal, Rajratan,
Rajdoot, Rani Avantibai, Rajveer and Rajdhwaj), eight Air Cushion
Vehicle (Hovercraft), 21 Interceptor Boats and 20 Interceptor Craft.
In this period 21 Coast Guard Stations were commissioned / activated including Port Blair, Kararatti,
Gopalpur, Karwar, Gandhinagar, Minicoy, Mundra, Krishnapatnam, Mayabunder and Pipavav.
ANTI- PIRACY AND COASTAL SECURITY MEASURES
The Indian Navy (IN) is primarily responsible for ensuring the country’s
maritime sovereignty
and for enabling various use-of-sea activities. This responsibility is
discharged by the IN through its four roles – military, diplomatic,
constabulary and benign roles. The IN is being increasingly called upon
to address issues pertaining to safety, security
and stability in the region. Enforcement of international laws,
humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indian Ocean Region
is at the forefront of the Navy’s international commitments. The complex
maritime security environment in the IOR requires
the IN to maintain a high level of operational preparedness at all
times.
Anti-piracy
Commitment
to keeping International Sea Lanes of Communications open by sustained
deployment of a Indian Navy ship for anti-piracy operations
in Gulf of Aden since Oct 2008. Put in place comprehensive and bold
Rules of Engagement to enable proactive and effective action against
errant pirates. To date IN deployed 37 ships, escorted over 2500
merchant ships of all nationalities, thwarted over 40
piracy attempts, apprehended 120 pirates and rescued over 70
fishermen. Also participated in all SHADE meetings since 2009 and
coordinated anti piracy activities with neighbouring and IOR countries.
Coastal Security
Drawing lessons from 26/11 terrorist
attacks on Mumbai in 2008, the Govt. took a number of security
measures to close the gaps in India’s vast coastline and strengthen the
coastal security apparatus in a planned manner by involving all
stakeholders in this endeavour. Under Phase-I of the Coastal
Surveillance Network Project installation of 46 radar chain
to have a gap free Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) was envisaged. In
the first Phase of the project, the coastal States/UTs were provided
with 73 coastal police stations, 97 Check Posts, 58 Out Posts, 30
Barracks, 204 boats, 153 jeeps and 312 motorcycles.
The
completion of the phase-I of the project at a cost of Rs. 646 crores on
the Indian mainland has taken place. India has already a chain of 36
Coastal Static Radars in place and
10 more in final stages of completion- which would help in
identification and monitoring of maritime traffic.
In
the phase-II of CSN which will cost Rs. 1580 crores, we will have
another 38 radars chain to cover the rest of the 7,500 Km long
coastline. The Indian Coast Guard was delegated
to implement the project. For this, the Govt. had signed the contract
with the state owned Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) in Sept 2011 at a cost
of Rs 602 crores considering the strategic nature of the turnkey
project and with an aim to develop indigenous capabilities.
Under this scheme, the coastal States/UTs interalia are provided with
131 coastal police stations, 10 Marine Operation Police Centres, 60
jetties, 225 boats of various categories and a lump sum assistance of
Rs. 15 lakhs per coastal police station to develop
its infrastructure.
Linking
up the National Automatic Identification System Network (AIS) and
Vessel Traffic System (VTS) off Gulf of Khambat with the Coastal
Security Network would help the security
forces in identifying a friend or foe in the Indian waters.
Of
late, a worrisome trend is the problem of tackling the issue of Private
Armed Security Guards on board Commercial ships in international waters
as well as territorial waters.
The urgent need to regulate these ‘floating armouries’ has assumed
significance in the backdrop of two recent incidents close to Indian
Coast. A high level meeting on Coastal Security convened at Delhi by the
MoD recently decided to take up this issue of Private
Armed Security Guards with international fora such as International
Maritime Organisation (IMO).
ROADS, BRIDGES AND TUNNELS
The
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is executing road works on 444 various
roads and maintaining 254 roads. Some of them are Srinagar-Baramula-Uri,
Uri-Salamabad-Kaman
Post, Srinagar-Kargil-Leh, Leh-Upshi, Nimu-Padam-Darcha, Dhar-Udhampur,
Rudraprayag-Gaurikund, Rishikesh- Joshimath-Mana,
Rishikesh-Dharasu-Gangotri, Lakhimpur-Akajan, Hayaliang-Changlohgam,
Paya-Digaru Road, Orang-Kalaktang- Shikaridanga-Rupa-Tenga, Hunli-Anini
and Hnathial-Sangau-Saiha.
In
J&K, the government has earmarked 73 roads for construction in
Ladakh region along the unresolved 4,056 km long Line of Actual Control
(LAC) with China, of which 12 roads have
been completed so far.
The
BRO is the lifeline to India’s strategically vital northeast,
maintaining a road network of 11,672 kms in the remote region. The BRO
has also undertaken construction of 75 roads
with a total length of more than 6,000 km at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore.
Besides this, 7,000 km of roads costing Rs 12,000 crore are under
various stages of construction in the north-east.
Basholi Bridge
The foundation stone laying ceremony for Basholi Bridge was held on 23 May 2011. This 592 m cable stayed bridge will connect Gurdaspur
district in Punjab to Doda and Kishtwar region in J&K. An example
of modern technology, this will connect the backward areas. The present
physical progress of the bridge is 55%.
Rohtang Tunnel
Foundation
stone for construction of 8.8 Km Rohtang Tunnel was laid on 28 Jun
2010. A total of 4086 mtr has been achieved at Rohtang Tunnel.
Zozila tunnel
Cabinet
Committee on economic affairs has approved the construction of 13.95
Km long tunnel. Land acquisition, environmental clearance and tendering
action is in progress.
Other Tunnels
The
feasibility studies for the preparation of DPR for the construction of
Razdhan tunnel of 18 Km length in Jammu & Kashmir and 0.90 Km long
Rudraprayag Byepass Tunnel in Uttarakhand
are in progress.
Modernisation
of DPSUs and OFB
Over
the years, the Department of Defence Production has established wide
ranging production facilities for various defence equipment through the
Ordnance factories and DPSUs. The
products manufactured include arms and ammunition, tanks,
armoured vehicles, heavy vehicles, fighter aircraft and helicopters,
warships, submarines, missiles, ammunition,
electronic equipment, earth moving equipment, special alloys and
special purpose steels. The nine DPSUs functioning under the Department
of Defence Production are- Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), Bharat
Electronics Ltd. (BEL), BEML, Bharat Dynamics Ltd.
(BDL), Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), Goa
Shipyard Ltd. (GSL), Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL), Mazagon Dock Ltd.
(MDL), Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd. (MIDHANI).
Of
the above, HSL was transferred from the Ministry of Shipping to the MoD
during 2009-2010 for strengthening the naval defence capabilities for
manufacture of warships and submarines.
After
visits to several DPSUs and interaction with personnel at various
levels, Shri Antony took a lot of interest for modernization of the
DPSUs in a systematic and planned manner
so that their capabilities are upgraded and their product range is
widened to not only cater to the requirements of our Services but also
to prepare them to be competitive in the global market. Between 2009 and
2013, Rs 3990 crores have been spent to modernize
9 DPSUs, while an additional Rs 6820 crores have been spent for R&D
efforts by DPSUs alone. In the 12th Five Year Plan period (2012-2017), the outlay
for modernization of DPSUs is Rs 14,726 Crores.
Similarly,
modernization of the 39 Ordnance Factories, which are producing and
supplying more than 600 types of items to the Armed Forces, has taken
place in a significant
manner. This has resulted in adoption of new technology, reduction in
cost of production, increase in productivity, improved quality and
reduction in process of rejection. Between 2007 and 2012, Rs 2953 crores
have already been spent for the modernization
of the Ordnance Factories. The OFB would be spending Rs 15705 Crores
towards modernization during the 12th Five Year Plan period (2012-2017).
JOINT EXERCISES:
Reflective of the professionalism of Indian Armed Forces, many countries from across the globe
have shown eagerness to exercise with the Indian Military.
Army
Indian Army held joint exercises with the Armies of China, the United States, UK, Maldives, Russia and Singapore.
It was for the first time when the Armies of India and China held
joint exercise at Kunming
in Yunan province of China in 2007. 80 soldiers each from India and
China attended this five-day long joint exercise on anti-terrorist
operations. In 2008, a Chinese Army Contingent conducted a landmark
joint military exercise with the Indian Army codenamed
Exercise Hand-in-Hand, at Belgaun, Karnataka, the first on Indian soil.
In 2013, the two sides held one more anti-terrorism exercise in Chengdu
province of China.
The Indian Army conducted the joint exercise ‘YUDH ABHYAS-09’ with
the US Army at Babina near
Jhansi in October, towards coordinated peacekeeping and disaster relief
operation. A Mechanised Infantry Battalion of Indian Army and
2nd Squadron of 14 CAV of 254 Stryker Brigade Combat Team comprising 325
US troops participated in this exercise. The Indian
and Maldivian troops conducted ‘EKUVERIN-09’ exercise in Belgaum.
The
Russian and Indian Armies held a joint exercise named 'Indra-13' in
October 2013. Held in the semi-desert conditions in Rajasthan's Mahajan
Field Firing
Range, the combat exercise witnessed the participation of an array of armoured and mechanised forces.
Navy
The
list of countries with whom the Indian navy conducts Bilateral
Exercises has grown significantly. From October 2006 to February 2014
altogether
47 exercises were conducted with foreign navies including 10 MALABAR
exercises with USA, five Naseem-Al-Bahr exercises with UAE, six KONKAN
exercises with UK, seven SIMBEX exercises with Singapore, six VARUNA
exercises with France, three INDRA exercises with
Russia, three SLINEX exercises with Sri Lanka, three IBSAMAR exercises
with South Africa and Brazil and two JIMEX exercises with Japan.
Air Force
The Indian Air Force conducted some major exercises with different countries of the world. These include the
multinational
Air Exercise, 'Ex - Red Flag 08' at the invitation of United States Air
Force (USAF), held at Nellis Air Force Base in the US from 09-23 Aug
08;
Exercise ‘Cope India-09’, a five-day joint air exercise between Indian
Air Force (IAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) at Air Force Station,
Agra - a major transport airbase and one of the largest airbase in
Southeast Asia; Exercise eastern bridge 2009
with Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) at Thumrait airbase in Oman,
Exercise Eastern Bridge 2011 also with RAFO at Air Force Station,
Jamnagar; Exercise Cope India 2009 with the United States Air Force at
Agra Air Force Station;
Exercise Sindex 2007 with Royal Singapore Air Force at Kalaikunda and
Exercise Indradhanush-III 2010 with the Royal Air Force of UK at
Kalaikunda. This was the first exercise with the Eurofighter (Typhoon)
in India.
In addition, Indian Air Force held two major Fire Power Demonstrations. These are:
Exercise Vayushakti 2010:
In
a breathtaking display of rapid air power dominance in a representative
battlefield area, Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft blasted away targets
by day, dusk and night in
a fire power demonstration exercise, Vayu Shakti-2010, at Pokharan on
February 28. The dusk and night phase display was the first ever by the
IAF.
Iron Fist – 2013:
It
was conceived as a visible demonstration of not only the deterrent and
joint war fighting capabilities of the IAF but also a reaffirmation of
IAF’s commitment to nation
building through its more benign and non kinetic capabilities. February
22, 2013 witnessed the Indian Air Force demonstrate its operational
capabilities by day, dusk and night at the sprawling facility of the
Pokharan Range.
FOREIGN VISITS
To
promote defence cooperation with foreign countries, Shri Antony visited
the United States, Russia, Germany, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand,
Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Maldives,
Indonesia, Australia, Seychelles, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Kyrghyzstan.
DRDO
When Shri Antony took over as the Defence Minister, there
were more brickbats than bouquets
in media for DRDO. He brought about structural changes and closely
monitored the progress of the organisation in various projects. The
result has been quite dramatic as DRDO has started delivering on many
fronts and enhancing self- reliance in Defence Systems.
It is also designing, developing and producing world class weapon
systems and equipment in accordance with the expressed needs and the
qualitative requirements specified by the three Services.
DRDO is working in various areas of
military technology which include aeronautics, armaments,
combat vehicles, electronics, instrumentation engineering systems,
missiles, materials, naval systems, advanced computing, simulation and
life sciences. DRDO, while striving to meet the Cutting edge weapons
technology requirements, provides ample spinoff benefits
to the society at large, thereby, contributing to nation building.
Strategic Missile Systems:
Agni 5 the ICBM:
India
joined the exclusive club of handful of countries having capability to
design, develop and launch ICBM (Inter Continental Ballistic Missile)
with the maiden launch on
19th April 2012 of highly advanced Agni 5,
the latest in the series of nuclear capable strategic missiles. The landmark event gave India a
quantum jump in the level of deterrence bringing targets located
even more than 5000 km away within its reach fulfilling long cherished
dream of former Prime Minister of India, late Smt Indira Gandhi. Its
second successful launch on 15 September 2013,
demonstrating robustness and reliability of its systems paved way for
launch from a canister to provide higher mobility, improved storage and
shelf life, even greater reliability and easier maintenance. Agni 5 will
be ready for induction by 2015.
Agni 4
the 4000 km range ballistic missile: Agni 4 got ready for induction having completed its development trials with its third successful flight on 20 January 2014.
Agni 3
got inducted to strengthen India’s strategic might and
joined
Agni 1,
Agni 2,
Prithvi II &
Dhanush (the naval version of Prithvi capable of being launched from ships even under rough sea conditions).
Bo5
the underwater launched ballistic missile system: The missile got
clearance for production after a series of successful trials proving
reliability of the system. Designed to operate from the indigenous
nuclear powered submarine
Arihant, it completes the triad for nuclear deterrence and incorporates many novel, breakthrough technologies.
Nirbhay cruise missile: The long range subsonic cruise missile,
Nirbhay had its maiden flight on 12 March 2013 proving many critical technologies.
Ballistic Missile Defence
system: India joined the elite club of four other nations on 06
December 2007 when under the program AD, an endo-atmospheric interceptor
missile hit and destroyed a target missile simulating a ‘hostile’
ballistic missile attacking with speed much greater
than a typical bullet; that was the first step towards developing a
two-layer Ballistic Missile Defence
system. A series of further successful interceptions,
mostly, with direct hit (the directional warhead is capable of
destroying the target even in proximity), have demonstrated its
reliability.
Tactical Missile and Weapon Systems:
Akash SAM Air Defence System: Productionisation and induction of
Akash, the medium range air defence system with multi-target,
multi directional capability is another shining achievement. The
production value of Akash system presently cleared for induction is more
than Rs 23,000 crores.
BrahMos supersonic cruise missile:
The best and one of its class supersonic
cruise missile in operation, with its high speed and precision of
attack and practically no possible countermeasures was inducted in large
numbers in Army and Navy. It has been designed to be launched from
land, air, sea and sub-sea platforms. Its
block II version with target discrimination capability and
block III version with steep diving capability even at supersonic
speeds have now been developed. The air launched version is soon
expected to have its maiden launch from Su 30.
Nag and Helina Anti-Tank Missiles:
Nag, the third generation Antitank Guided Missile with ‘Fire
& Forget’, ‘Day & Night’ and ‘Top Attack capabilities, is in
final phase of user trials.
Helina, its helicopter launched version having enhanced reached has been developed and is in advanced stage of trials.
Astra
Beyond Visual Range air to air missile: India’s first Beyond Visual Range air to air missile
Astra designed to operate
from Tejas and Su 30 combat aircrafts completed its trials from
ground based launchers and airworthiness tests on Su 30. Astra is
expected to have its maiden trials from Su 30 aircraft soon.
Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator: In another major technology breakthrough,
a Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle
(HSTDV) has been developed. Currently undergoing extensive ground based tests.
LRSAM:
A long range surface to air missile
LRSAM for Navy for protection of Naval vessels being jointly
developed is an example of international cooperation, and is undergoing
development trails. Its land fired version for Air Force (MRSAM)
is also in advanced stage of development.
Pinaka
Multi barrel rocket launcher system:
Pinaka an area weapon capable of neutralizing nearly 1 sq km area
upto more than 35 km away in a short time has entered the operational
command of the Indian Army.
Pinaka II rocket, with longer range is undergoing trials.
Pinaka II have been designed to be fired from the same launcher as
Pinaka I.
Indigenous missile technologies:
DRDO
has indigenously developed a large number of state of the art
sub-systems and technologies in the face of stiff control regimes and
technology denials. These technologies make
our missiles, especially the strategic missiles unique and include
carbon – carbon composites for re-entry heat shield that allow the
warhead to remain safe while facing temperatures as high as 4000 degrees
Celsius encountered during re-entry, lightweight
composite rocket motors, innovative conical rocket motor for third
stage, actuators and control surfaces, advanced inertial navigation
system, thrust vector control, on-board computers, system of chip (SOC),
sensors based on fibre optics, MEMS and many more.
Platforms:
Arihant nuclear powered submarine:
Arihant, India’s first indigenous nuclear
powered submarine, an example of close cooperation between DRDO Indian
Navy and industry came closer to achieving operational capability when
its onboard nuclear reactor attained criticality on 10 August 2013. The
submarine is currently undergoing extensive
checks in preparation for its seaward trials in a few months from now.
Tejas the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft: Tejas, India’s first indigenously
designed developed and led to production 4th
Generation-Plus, Light Weight, Multi-role, Supersonic Combat aircraft
got clearance for induction in
Air Force with the handing over of the "Release to Service Document" by
the Shri Antony to the Chief of Air Staff on 20 December 2013.
Tejas, has recorded over 2400 flawless take offs and landings,
extensive weapon trials, extreme weather trials, high altitude and sea
level trials proving its versatility. Its might was demonstrated during
the “Iron Fist”, a fire power demonstration
exercise of Indian Air Force in 2013.
LCA Navy:
LCA
Navy, capable of operating from the short runway of aircraft carrier,
had its maiden flight on 27 April 2012 and is undergoing trials for
certification.
Arjun -The Indian Main Battle tank:
Two regiments of
Main Battle Tank Arjun MkI designed developed and produced indigenously with Indian soldiers environment and terrain, were inducted in the Army.
Arjun Mark-II, developed in a record time, with more than 70
improved features such as better mobility, fire power, increased
protection, is in final stages of User Trials.
Arjun Catapult Gun: Developed in a very short time the 130 mm (SP)
Arjun
Catapult Gun System combines the power and versatility of Arjun
MBT with the time tested firepower and ruggedness of existing 130 mm
gun, the system will considerably enhance fire power of Army.
Unmanned Systems:
Rustom II Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV:
A medium altitude long endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Rustom II, with endurance around 36 hrs and capable of flying upto around 35000 km has been developed and is undergoing taxi trials.
Lakshya II Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA): An advanced version of a range
of mini and micro UAVs have been developed.
Nishant:
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Nishant developed for Army for
surveillance
applications was inducted and led to production. Paramilitary forces
are also finding it useful for internal security application and CRPF
has decided to Nishant induct in numbers.
Daksh ROV:
A roughed remotely operated
vehicle Daksh capable of climbing stairs, fitted with a six axis
robotic arm, field usable X-ray unit, video camera, and other systems
for detecting and neutralizing IEDs has been developed and inducted by
army.
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle:
A multi-use Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
(AUV) has been developed as technology demonstrator proving a
wide range of technologies needed. The system as such is useful for
surveillance, mapping of ocean floor as well as offensive tasks.
Combat Engineering Systems
Battle Support Platforms:
A number of Battlefield support systems including
Armoured Amphibious Dozer, Armoured Engineering Recce Vehicle and
Tracked Armoured Ambulance have been developed and led to production.
Bridging Systems:
A new
Modular Bridging System capable of yielding single span of up to
46 m and capable of bearing load up to 70 ton was developed and is
undergoing user trials.
Radars and Sensors:
AEW&C (Advanced
Early Warning & Control
system): India’s indigenously developed
Advanced Early Warning & Control system, a force multiplier
presently undergoing flight evaluation, is likely to be handed over to
the Air Force soon. Three EMB 145l procured were and integrated with
indigenous radars and other equipment to realize the
AEW&C.
Radars:
WLR, an advanced electronically scanned pulse Doppler weapon locating radar; 3D TCR, a 3 dimensional tactical control radar;
Bharani, a Low Level Lightweight Radar and
ASLESHA, a 3D Low Level Lightweight radar were developed inducted and led to production.
Electronic Warfare systems: Electronic Warfare systems such as SAMYUKTA for
Army; SANGRAHA
for Navy and
Varuna, for Navy have been developed and accepted by users.
A series of secure communication systems based on Software Defined Radio,
ranging from hand held sets to aircraft and ship based systems have
been developed. The compact system is capable of operating on multiple
frequency bands, avoiding need for multiple systems.
Night Fighting Sensors:
Multifunction Sight for surveillance and speedy engagement of targets, was
accepted for induction.
EON-51: EON-51, an electro-optical fire control system for Navy was inducted.
Holographic Sight: An advanced
Holographic Sight facilitating accurate aiming with both eyes open, developed for INSAS rifle has been accepted by Army.
Naval Systems & sensors:
VARUNASTRA, a heavy weight torpedo has been developed and is undergoing extensive sea trials. In the area of
Naval sensors, very high degree of self-reliance has been
achieved with design, development, and induction of sonars meeting needs
of Indian Navy. Thus
USHUS an Advanced Active-cum-Passive integrated sonar system
and
HUMSA NG, a new generation hull mounted sonar for ships; were integrated with their respective platforms.
Materials:
Armour Steel: Light armour for Mi 17 helicopter was developed and used.
Steel for Ship building:
Indigenous steel for building naval ships was developed
with steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) and was certified. More than
30,000 tons of steel has been used including the one for construction of
India’s first ever indigenous Aircraft Carrier.
Titanium Sponge:
Process for indigenous development of Titanium from ore got
a boost with the setting up of Titanium sponge production facility at
KMML based on process developed by DRDO. It is a boost for the country’s
aeronautical, missile and space programs.
Airborne Engines:
Indigenous engine for UAVs was developed and flight tested.
Life Sciences Systems
DRDO lays great emphasis on the needs of the men behind the machines.
High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPO) Bag:
a portable, lifesaving, first aid
kit, for treatment of high altitude pulmonary oedema encountered by
soldiers deployed in high altitude areas has been developed, inducted by
services and is saving precious human lives.
Submarine Escape Suite: a submarine escape suite designed to allow the sailors
to escape from a submarine stuck at depths upto 100 mtr have been designed and accepted by Navy.
Lightweight Helicopter Oxygen System: a light weight helicopter oxygen system
for taking care of oxygen requirements in helicopters need to fly in high altitude regions has been developed and accepted.
Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS):
A new computer based pilot selection system has been designed,
developed and led to production for improve process of selection of
aircraft pilots for Indian air force. The system is being used by the
respective service selection centres.
Defence Production Policy and Defence Procurement Procedure
Defence
Production Policy was announced by the Government in 2011, for the
first time, with the following objectives, namely, (i) to achieve
substantive self-reliance in the design,
development and production of equipment/weapon systems/platforms
required for defence in as early a time frame as possible; (ii) to
create conditions conducive for the private industry to take an active
role in this endeavour; and (iii) to enhance the potential
of SMEs in indigenization and to broaden the defence R&D base of
the country. To achieve the above objectives, a number of policy
initiatives have been taken by the Ministry:
(a) In the revised Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) issued in
2013, the
first major change that has been brought in relates to the introduction
of the ‘preferred categorisation’ in the following order; Buy(Indian),
Buy &
Make(Indian), Make(Indian), Buy & Make, Buy(Global). While seeking
the approval for Áccord of Necessity (AoN) in a particular category,
say, Buy (Global), it will now be necessary to give justification for
not considering the other higher preference categories.
This is expected to give a stronger impetus to indigenization.
(b) The procedure for ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’ category
introduced in 2009, has been further simplified in the revised DPP-2013
in order to make this a more preferred category. This Category mandates
50 per cent indigenous content. In addition, the simplification of
‘Make Procedure is underway.
(c) A clear definition
of indigenous content has been provided in the new DPP which would not
only bring more clarity on the indigenous content required for different
categorization, but also enhance the indigenization of defence products
in India.
(d) Raksha Mantri’s Production
Committee has been constituted for initiating policies for bridging
‘technological gaps’ and augmenting indigenous defence production
capabilities.
(e) The industry friendly version of the long term technology requirement
for armed forces has been published
on Ministry of Defence website in the form of TPCR (Technology
Perspective & Capability Roadmap). This gives an idea to the
industry of the future needs of the Services so as to facilitate
enhancement of domestic capability to meet the long term requirement of
armed forces.
A
Standing Committee has been constituted in the Department of Defence
Production to consider all applications received from Department of
Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP)
for grant of Industrial Licenses and FDI Proposals from the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) respectively for the manufacture of arms and armaments and to communicate
the recommendation of the Ministry of Defence to the respective Departments.
OFFSETS
In
pursuance of the objectives of fostering an internationally competitive
domestic industry, enhancing the indigenous defence research and
development
(R&D) capability and encouraging
development of synergistic sectors like civil aerospace and internal
security, the MoD has fine tuned the Defence Offset Guidelines in the last 7 years.
MoD has set up a "Defence Offsets Management Wing" (DOMW) under the Department of Defence Production
for monitoring
and discharge of offsets in accordance with the relevant offset guidelines and signed offset contracts.
At present, 23 offsets contracts worth $ 4.6 billions are in various stages of execution.
Transparency
But
all these achievements hardly add up to how Shri Antony will be
remembered in the corridors of South Block. Behind his characteristic
unassuming demeanour,
there exists a value system which comes down heavily when
irregularities are detected in defence deals. He will not stand by any
act of omission or commission that will bring the Armed Forces to
disrepute or let it tarnish the ideals of the officers, no matter
however influential or mighty the accused might be.
During
the seven years of his tenure as the Defence Minister, Shri Antony took
a slew of measures to not only clean up the procurement process but
also to give out a strong signal
to both domestic and foreign vendors to not to resort to unfair means
to win defence contracts.
Six firms were debarred by the Ministry of Defence in March
2012 following probe by the CBI. The MoD also terminated the 556.26
million Euro AgustaWestland deal for purchase of 12 VVIP helicopters on
grounds of breach of the Pre-contract Integrity Pact (PCIP) and the
Agreement by AWIL. In 2012, Shri Antony ordered
a CBI probe into allegations of bribery in supply of Tatra trucks for
the Army. And in March 2014, Shri Antony gave the green signal for a CBI
probe into the allegations of the appointment of an intermediary in the
deals concluded between the HAL and the Rolls
Royce company of UK, in contravention of the contract rules.
Shri
Antony was ruthless in dealing with all cases relating to defence land
scams. He ordered CBI probe into various
cases, the most prominent one being the alleged irregularity in
providing defence land for construction of the Adarsh Cooperative
Housing Society apartment building, close to the Western Naval Command
structures in Mumbai.
He also ordered a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the sale of military land at the high- security Srinagar
airport.
Shri Antony ordered a CBI probe into a land scam in Jodhpur allegedly involving transfer of a 4.84 acre Army plot to
a trust belonging to a royal family in 2007 by officials of his Ministry and the Service.
Welfare
Armed Forces Tribunal:
A long standing need of the Armed Forces was fulfilled
with the constitution of Armed Force Tribunal. AFT came into existence
27 years after the Supreme Court made the observation in 1982 that “the
Services personnel must have at least one judicial review” of verdicts
handed down by the Court Martial.
AFT is now adjudicating complaints and disputes regarding service
matters and appeals arising out of the verdicts of the Courts Martial of
the members of the three Services (Army, Navy and Air Force) to provide
quicker justice to the members of the Armed Forces
of the Union. At present, the Principal Bench at Delhi and Regional
Benches at Chennai, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Kochi,
Guwahati and Mumbai are functional. The government on 20 February 2014
gave its nod for setting up of two more Armed Forces
Tribunal (AFT) regional benches in Jabalpur and Srinagar.
MAP: The
Married Accommodation Project (MAP) was undertaken to provide deficient
married accommodation to the Defence Services. This mammoth Project,
envisaging construction of nearly 2,00,000 dwelling units, is being
undertaken in four phases. 57,000 dwelling units have been completed
under Phase – I of the project and another 70,000
dwelling units are being constructed under Phase-II of the project.
Phase-III and Phase-IV of the project have been combined and 71,014
dwelling units have been approved for construction. The project will
meet substantially the requirement of providing married
accommodation to the defence service personnel in different parts of
the country including far flung areas. This will improve the living
conditions of serving Armed Forces Personnel.
Improvement in Rations:
To achieve a superior satisfaction level among the troops, Shri Antony took a number of initiatives to provide quality rations
and introduce new products.
Scales
of Fruit fresh in the daily diet of Jawans has been increased from 230
grams of fruits thrice in week to 230 grams every day. Earlier eggs
were authorized for the troops
posted above 9000 feet now two eggs per day have
been sanctioned uniformly. Scale of Meat/ Chicken (Broiler) dressed
has been increased from 110 Grams to 180 grams per day.
Special Ration has been authorized to troops deployed above 12000
feet. Earlier special rations were authorized to troops deployed in the
Siachan Glacier only, now it has been authorized to troops across the
board deployed anywhere above 12000 feet. Branded
Wheat Atta had been introduced in all commands; it will replace the
earlier procedure of grinding Wheat for making Atta. Procurement of
Quality Rice, Dal and Edible Oil from Open Market on pilot project basis
has been sanctioned; this will lead to procurement
of these items with higher specification from reputed vendors. Quality
Tea with specifications drawn up in consultation with the Tea Board is
now being supplied to troops. Additional items of rations like Lime
fresh, Rooh Afza, Tetra Pack Milk and Fruit
fresh have been sanctioned for the troops taking part in
exercise/collective training in Desert/semi-desert areas of Rajasthan.
Iodised and Vaporised salt has been authorized in placed of common salt
and its procurement has been decentralized to commands
for procuring from reputed vendors. Certain items of special rations
like Almonds at the rate of 05 gram per day, Tetra Pack Milk at the rate
of 500ml thrice in a week, Juice Tetra Pack at the rate of four times a
week and Biscuits at the rate of 500 grams
per month have been authorised to the troops deployed in counter
insurgency operations. Ready to eat vegetable in retort pouches with
longer self-life has been introduced.
Improvements in Clothing
In
order to improve quality of clothing which is important for boosting
morale of the troops, procurement of cloth and stitching of uniforms has
been decentralized to commands
for ensuing satisfaction of troops. Product improvement has been
carried out for some other items such Coat Combat, Jersey Pullower,
Stocks, Cap, Hand Towel, and Blanket. Life of a number of clothing
items reduced so that the solider gets new items more
frequently. To ensure timely availability of critical stores, an
Empowered Committee under MGO has been formed to procure Special
Clothing items and Mountaineering Equipment for high altitude areas
including Siachen Glacier. A similar Empowered Committee
for Extreme Cold Clothing and Equipment (ECC&E) has been set for
meeting the requirements of items authorized to troops operating in high
altitude areas other than Special Clothing.
AV SINGH COMMITTEE REPORT II
In a major step to improve career mobility, to fulfil aspirations and to achieve combat effectiveness
by bringing down age profile of commanding officers, the Government upgraded 1896 posts in the services.
Popularly
known as Phase – II of the Ajay Vikram Singh Committee Report, the
proposals resulted in reduction in stagnation. Shri Antony had taken
personal interest in the implementation
of the proposal and played a crucial role in evolving a consensus among
the Services.
ARMED FORCES MEDICAL SERVICE
The AFMS has seen a great transformation in the last seven years. Every aspect of medicare
from human resources, hospital infrastructure, to modernisation of equipment have seen a quantum jump in this period.
The
Specialist Pool has been augmented to 2295. The number of Post
Graduate seats has increased to over 400 and these seats are offered to
Officers of AFMS, medical officers of
friendly foreign countries, medical officers of Para Military Forces,
ex-SSC officers
and civilian doctors. These PG courses are offered at AFMS, Pune,
AH(R&R), Delhi and
other command hospitals including INHS Asvini and CHAF, Bengaluru. Fou
schools of Nursing have been upgraded to College of Nursing at CH(EC),
Kolkata, INHS Asvini, Mumbai, CH(CC), Lucknow, AH(R&R), Delhi. Huge
impetus has been given to Para medical training
of PBOR with establishment of Institute of Paramedical Sciences at AMC
Centre and College, Lucknow. A large number of Degree and Diploma
courses are also being offered at AFMC, CHAF(B) and INHS Asvini for PBOR
of the three services so that they obtain civil
qualifications for better post retirement employment opportunities. A
large number of sponsored candidates from friendly foreign countries
and Paramedical course.
Equipment and Supplies:
The
Annual Acquisition Plan has been started during this period with
facility to roll over the procurement across the fiscal year. Through
the AAP a cumulative capital budget of
700 crores has been expended in this period
leading to procurement of 38 CT Scans, 15 MRIs, 05 PET Scans, 06 Cath
Labs, 13 Sleep Labs, 33 Laparoscopic Surgical sets, 02 256
Slice CT Scan. Plans for installing 3D Echo for Cardiology and Da
Vinci Robotic Surgery for Urology Centers is on the anvil.
The
Revenue Budgetary outlay has doubled from 343 crores in 2006-07, to 695
crores in 2013-14 for Annual Revenue Budget. Likewise ECHS budget has
gone up from 182 crores in 2007-08
to 393 crores in 2013-14.
To improve the satisfaction of drug availability the procedures have been streamlined to include
only 301 Drugs in the vocabulary and increase in supply through Rate Contract coverage from 49 in 2007-08 to 258 in 2013-14.
Infrastructure:-
AH(R&R)
has added Liver Transplant Centre, Bone Marrow Transplant Center,
Cochlear Implant Center, Joint Replacement Center during this period.
Assisted
Reproduction Centers, Joint Replacement Centers, Cardio Thoracic
Surgical Centers, Renal Transplant Centers have been opened in other
places.
The DNA laboratory has been set up at AFMC, Pune at Deptt of Forensic Medicine. A modern Army
Dental Center (R&R) has been set up in this period.
As
part of capability development of the Armed Forces, the AFMS has been
sanctioned a total of seven Field Hospital, three border static
hospitals, and two peripheral hospitals in
Gopalpur and Hissar. More units for AFMS have been sanctioned for the
support of Mountain Strike Corps as part of capability development in
North and North East, which will be raised from June 2014 through
December of 2015 for which Cabinet sanction has been
obtained.
Modernization
of Ambulances has been undertaken with trials for medium ambulances
completed. 679 4x4 medium ambulances and 149 4x2 medium ambulances are
slated for procurement through
Capital Procurement. 497 4x4 Medium ambulances are slated for Revenue
procurement. 30 Cardiac/Critical Car Vans each have been procured for
Army (TATA Winger) and Air Force as well.
New Hospital Buildings
: A case for renovation of 46 AFMS hospitals is at
advanced stage for Cabinet sanction. Progress has taken place in
providing new KSP for 3 Zonal Hospitals, for INHS Asvini, CHAFB, and
foundation stone laid for CH(SC) R&R at Pune. A 200 bedded CTVS
centre at AH(R&R) has come up with latest equipment and
modern facility which will be the apex cardiac centre for the Armed
Forces.
In
2008, Government also gave its approval for restructuring of 117 posts
in selected ranks in the Army Medical Corps (AMC), Dental Medical Corps
(ADC) and Army Medical Corps (Non-Technical)
{AMC(NT)}. Out of total 117 posts, 100 upgraded in AMC. These include
three at Lt Gen and equivalent rank, 15 of Major General and equivalent
rank, 82 of Brigadier and equivalent rank.
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS ECHS
In 2008 itself, the Government
scrapped the individual’s contribution towards Ex-Servicemen
Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) being run for ex-servicemen,
war-widows and soldiers disabled in action. To provide equitable
treatment to all eligible ex-Servicemen and their dependents under the
ECHS and to enhance the scheme’s coverage, the Government
also approved Establishment of 199 new polyclinics including 17 mobile
medical facilities and 15 new regional centres.
MONETARY GRANT TO GALLANTRY AWARD WINNERS
In a significant step that
brought cheers to the Gallantry Award winners of both pre and post
Independence period, the Government approved substantial increase in
the monetary allowance to personnel of the Armed Forces, who had won
laurels in the line of duty.
HIGH ALTITUDE ALLOWANCE/GRANT
OF ONE ADDITIONAL RAIL WARRANT
The
government also granted enhanced rates of High Altitude (Uncongenial
Climate) Allowance to troops deployed in more difficult, hazardous and
isolated areas above 14,000 ft within
the existing High Altitude (Uncongenial
Climate) Areas at the rate of Rs. 5,600 per month for Officers and Rs.
3,734 per month for Other Ranks (Ors) with a view to rationalize
the High Altitude Allowance. The enhanced allowance is 80% of Siachen
allowance and is comparable to Siachen allowance in proportion to the
physical hardships being faced by the Armed Force Personnel.
Besides,
the Government also provided grant of one additional free rail warrant
every year to all ranks of Armed Forces serving in field/high
altitude/counter insurgency/counter
terrorism operational areas to travel to and from their duty station and Hometown/Selected Place of Residence.
LTC/HTC
Government
also removed the restriction of 1450 kms on availing Leave Travel
Concession and make all Service Personnel eligible to undertake leave
journey to their choice station
without any restriction on distance.
RENTAL IN J&K
In
2008, the Government gave a big hike in rentals for the land hired or
requisitioned by the Armed Forces in Jammu & Kashmir. The hike is in
the range of 2.1 to 5 times for various
categories of land. The revised rate structure came into effect
retrospectively from 16 February 2008. The measures taken at the
initiative of the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony, provided succour to
the people of the State who got a realistic payment for
their land.
ARMY VACATED ALL GOVT BUILDINGS IN KASHMIR
Keeping
public convenience in mind, government vacated all government buildings
earlier occupied by the troops. The buildings, which remained vacant,
were occupied by the troops
in the past to thwart any attempt by the militants to damage them. Now
the things have changed and process have been started to hand over the
buildings to the Government for the use of public.
CANTONMENT BOARDS ELECTIONS
Consequent upon enactment
of the Cantonments Act, 2006 and notification of the Cantonment
Electoral
Rules, 2007, elections to 58 out of 62 Cantonment Boards were held
during June to September, 2008 and elections for the remaining
4 Cantonment Boards were held during 2009-10 due to various reasons
including stay by Courts, insufficient nominations, close
proximity to election for State Legislature etc.
PERMANENT COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
In a path breaking development, the Government has granted Permanent Commission, prospectively
to Short Service Commission Officers, both men and women in branches
and cadres of the three services, which do not entail direct combat or
possibility of physical contact with enemy. The longstanding proposal
received the approval of Defence Minister Shri
AK Antony on 26 September 2008. The branches where permanent commission
was granted include Judge Advocate General, Army Education Corps and
its corresponding branches in Navy and Air Force, Accounts branch of the
Air Force and Naval Constructor of the Navy.
Ex-Servicemen’s Welfare
Pension Schemes
One Rank One Pension (OROP)
In a landmark decision, the government has accepted the One rank-one pension
(OROP) scheme in principle and has decided to implement it from 01 Apr 2014.
Under
it, uniform pension will be paid to the Armed Forces personnel retiring
in the same rank with the same length of service irrespective of their
date of retirement and any future
enhancement in the rates of pension will be automatically passed on to
the past pensioners.
This
implies bridging the gap between the rate of pension of the current
pensioners and the past pensioners, and also future enhancements in the
rate of pension to be automatically
passed on to the past pensioners.
Family pensioners and disability pensioners would be included in the scheme.
In
the run up to the acceptance of the OROP principle, the government, in
three stages, improved the pensions of ex-servicemen- in 2006, 2010 and
2012.
Enhancement of Family Pension
In 2012, the government decided to step up
the pension of pre- 1.1.2006 family pensioners(Commissioned
Officers, Honorary Commissioned Officers, JCOs/ORs based on the minimum
of the fitment table instead of the minimum of the Pay Band.
The government also decided to establish linkage of the family
pension with the pension of JCOs/ORs,
in those cases where the death takes place after the retirement of the
JCO/OR. This brought about significant relief to lakhs of families of
ex-Servicemen.
The family pensioners were also given the benefit of enhanced pension which benefitted each
family pensioner by Rs 242 to Rs 2500 per month depending upon their existing pension.
Dual Family Pension - Dual family pension was allowed in the present and future
cases where the pensioner drew, was drawing or may draw pension for military service as well as for civil employment.
Family pension to mentally / physically challenged children of armed forces personnel on marriage - Grant
of family pension to mentally/physically challenged children who drew,
are drawing or may draw family pension would continue even after their
marriage.
The government also granted an ex-gratia of Rs. 9 lakhs w.e.f.
April 1, 2011 to
invalided out Armed Forces Personnel with
100 percent disability. For lesser disability between 20 percent to 99 percent this
amount was reduced proportionately. Grant of family pension to childless widow of
Armed
Forces personnel including both officers and PBORs who died prior to
January 1, 2006, which was discontinued on her remarriage, was restored
retrospectively from the same date subject to certain conditions.
Nearly 23.5 lakh ex-servicemen, their families and 13.5 lakh serving personnel are beneficiaries
of the above-mentioned schemes.
ECHS:
The
Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) aims to provide quality
mediate to Ex-Servicemen pensions and their dependents through a
network of ECHS polyclinics, service
medical facilities an civil empanelled/Govt Hospitals spread across the
country. It has made phenomenal progress over the last seven years.
The Government had initially sanctioned Central Organisation, ECHS, 13 Regional Centres and 227 Polyclinics. This was expanded in October, 2010 with 15 more Regional Centres and 199 additional polyclinics. Out of 426 polyclinics, 379 have been operationalised as on date. The endeavour is to make the remainder 47 polyclinics functional at the earliest.
The Government had initially sanctioned Central Organisation, ECHS, 13 Regional Centres and 227 Polyclinics. This was expanded in October, 2010 with 15 more Regional Centres and 199 additional polyclinics. Out of 426 polyclinics, 379 have been operationalised as on date. The endeavour is to make the remainder 47 polyclinics functional at the earliest.
New Educational and Training Institutes
INDU:
The
Prime Minster Dr Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone for Indian
National Defence University (INDU), a fully autonomous institution,
located on over 200 acres of land
at Binola on 23 May 2013. This long awaited university will be
instituted by an Act of Parliament with the President of India as the
Visitor and Defence Minister as the Chancellor. It will be governed by
its own norms and will promote coordination and interaction
between Armed Forces’ & non-Armed Forces’ institutions /
establishments in the country. It will focus on higher education in
defence studies, defence management and defence science &
technology. The University will offer post graduate studies and
doctoral
/ post doctoral research.
Naval Academy, Ezhimala:
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Dr
Manmohan Singh on 08 January 2009. Located in Kannur district of
Kerala, this Academy is not only the premier officer training
establishment of the Indian Navy, but also is the largest
Naval Academy in Asia. All officers inducted into the Indian Navy under
various schemes undergo basic training at this Academy.
New
OTA:
OTA Gaya raised in July 2011 is the third pre-commissioned Training
(PCT) academy of the Indian Army with a planned training capacity of
750 cadets. The aim of the academy is to train Gentlemen Cadets to
become part of a professionally competent commissioned officer corps of
the Indian Army. The first batch of 149 trainee
officers underwent training in the Academy during the period July 2011
to June 2012 and first passing out parade was conducted on 08 June 2012.
NIRDESH:
National Institute for Research and Development in Defence Shipbuilding
(NIRDESH). institute is set up as an autonomous society under the aegis
of the Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production. The
foundation stone was laid on 4th January, 2011 at Chaliyam, Kozhikode,
Kerala. Raksha Mantri heads the Board of Governors
as the President, with representatives from the MoD, Indian Navy, Coast
Guard and CMDs of Defence Public Sector Shipyards as members. NIRDESH
has initiated the process of appointing the Consultant for preparation
of Master Plan and Detailed Project Reports.
Presently one building is functional at the NIRDESH site. NIRDESH is
already functioning.
ICG Academy: The
Defence Minister Shri AK Antony laid the Foundation stone
for Indian Coast Guard Academy at Azhikkal in Kannur district of Kerala
on 28 May 2011. The academy is capable of training 650 trainees and is
also catering for the training needs of personnel from Navy, BSF (Water
Wing), Marine Police and friendly foreign
countries as part of international cooperation.
Cantonments Land Records
There
are 62 Cantonments in India. The administration of these Cantonments is
governed by the provisons of the Cantonments Act, 2006. Election to 62
Cantonments Boards were held
between 2008 and 2010 under provisions of the Cantonments Act, 2006 and
the Cantonment Electoral Rules 2007.
As
a measure to improve the land management aspects, two projects on (a)
scanning, digitization and microfilming of land records; and (b) survey,
demarcation and verification of
defence
lands were sanctioned in February 2011 and the implementation of the
Projects have been started in September 2011. Till 31.12.2013, scanning
and digitization of records
of 45 field offices out of 99 offices have been completed. In the
remaining offices, about 60% scanning work has been completed. The
project is progressing as per schedule.
Defence Budget
Trends of Defence Expenditure since 2006
Defence Expenditure has risen steadily each year. Of course, growth in some years has been higher than others.
2008-2009 and 2009-2010 saw growth of 35% and 24% respectively in the
revenue segment to account for impact of implementation of the Sixth CPC
recommendations. However, the capital budget has also seen growth in
excess of 20% during 2010-2011 and 2011-2012
in this period.
The
average growth has been 12.58% (overall), 13.20% in respect of revenue
and 12.02% for capital. The budget has more than doubled since 2006. The
utilization of the budget has
always been above 99% of the Revised Estimates.
The capital-revenue ratio has been maintained at around 40%.
In
the period 2006-2013, against an allocation of Rs 3,57,541 Crores in
RE on Capital Head, the actual expenditure was Rs 3,63, 775 Crores
representing nearly
102% utilization of the budgeted amount. Even in the current Financial Year (2013-2014), the MoD is poised to utilize the full allocation which was a far
cry a few years ago.
Capital Expenditure
on Modernisation
Figure in crores
|
|||||||||||
Financial Year
|
|||||||||||
BE
|
RE
|
Actual
|
Utilisation
|
||||||||
2005-06
|
34375.14
|
33075.14
|
32337.87
|
||||||||
2006-07
|
37458.00
|
34458.00
|
33825.8
|
98.17%
|
|||||||
8.97%
|
4.18%
|
4.60%
|
|||||||||
2007-08
|
41922.00
|
37705.00
|
37461.67
|
99.35%
|
|||||||
11.92%
|
9.42%
|
10.75%
|
|||||||||
2008-09
|
48007.00
|
41000.00
|
40918.48
|
99.80%
|
|||||||
14.52%
|
8.74%
|
9.23%
|
|||||||||
2009-10
|
54824.00
|
47824.00
|
51112.36
|
106.88%
|
|||||||
14.20%
|
16.64%
|
24.91%
|
|||||||||
2010-11
|
60000.00
|
60833.26
|
62056
|
102.01%
|
|||||||
9.44%
|
27.20%
|
21.41%
|
|||||||||
2011-12
|
69198.81
|
66143.81
|
67902.38
|
102.66%
|
|||||||
15.33%
|
8.73%
|
9.42%
|
|||||||||
2012-13
|
79578.63
|
69578.63
|
70499.12
|
101.32%
|
|||||||
15.00%
|
5.19%
|
3.82%
|
|||||||||
2013-14
|
86740.71
|
78872.23
|
--
|
--
|
|||||||
9.00%
|
13.36%
|
||||||||||
Aid to Civil authorities
On
numerous occasions, the Armed Forces were called upon to undertake
missions to provide aid to civil authorities. The Army, Air Force, Navy,
Coast Guard, BRO and other organisations
under the MoD rose to the occasions and received accolades for their
self-less service. The contribution of the Services in the rescue and
relief operations in some of the disasters are given below.
Uttarakhand and Himachal Floods
The
unprecedented magnitude of destruction caused by flash floods in
Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in June 2013 called for an immediate
and large scale rescue and relief effort.
The Army, IAF, Navy, BRO and the AFMS responded to the enormous
challenge with speed, resolve and fortitude. The IAF undertook 3702
sorties, air- lifted 895 tonnes of relief material and 24, 260
civilians. This has been the largest heli-borne relief effort
of its kind ever undertaken by the IAF, utilising upto 45 helicopters
at one time.
The Army deployed 8000 troops with 150 special forces personnel.
A
massive road rehabilitation programme has been taken up by BRO in the
entire Uttarakhand area and Himachal Pradesh after a flash flood ravaged
both the states. All resources of
BRO in the state were immediately deployed for restoration of
communication. Initially, the focus was evacuation of stranded pilgrims
and assisting rescue operations. Road connectivity was provided
including modified bridges to such locations that enabled
relief operations on fast track as also moving out of stranded
pilgrims. By 20 Jun 2013, approximately 680 km out of the 800 km damaged
roads were opened for traffic. This included all major towns like
Rishikesh, Dharashu, Uttarkashi, Srinagar, Rudraprayag,
Karnaprayag, Tanakpur and Pithoragarh. This initial connectivity
provided by BRO was very crucial in the initial days of rescue and
rehabilitation.
During this extensive humanitarian operation, an Indian Air Force MI-17 V5 helicopter crashed
during a rescue flight. In this tragic accident, 20 people including five IAF personnel lost their lives.
Odisha Cyclone
Our
Armed Forces’ laudable role and conduct of operations to minimise the
effects of cyclone ‘Phailin’, which struck the Odisha & Andhra Coast
in the fateful evening of 12th
October also came for universal praise and commendation from all quarters.
Sikkim Earthquake:
BRO was put to test while addressing natural disaster and
it has responded as it always does. The road to Gangtok was opened in
20 hours as against the expected 6 weeks thereby enabling induction and
making relief operations so much effective. This display of synergy and
initiative won wide acclaim. The Army and
the IAF synergized their efforts to reach out to the people in remote
hilly areas of the state.
Kosi River Floods
The
three Services also rendered yeoman’s assistance during the Bihar
floods in August 2008, providing rescue and relief in areas devastated
by an overflowing Kosi river. About
25,000 people were evacuated every day as army rushed 37 columns, the
navy deployed boats and divers while the Indian Air Force airdropped
medicines and food to the marooned people.
Flood Relief RX-Kurnool in North Karnataka from 29 Sep 2009:
Many
relief missions were carried out during seven-day ordeal. The IAF saved
47 lives that would have surely perished and a total of 1,200,000 kgs
of relief material including
water, food and medicines were dropped to the victims who were in dire
need.
Rescue Operation During Leh Flood:The
IAF continued with rescue and relief
operations in flash flood-hit Leh-Ladakh. The IAF flew an IL-76
transport aircraft, two Cheetah and one MI-17 helicopters on 15 Aug
2010, airlifting nearly 26 tons relief materials and 20 people. The Air
Force has undertaken 226 sorties, airlifting over 302
tons relief materials and equipment and flying 818 passengers.
IAF IL-76 brings home 181 Indians from Libya:
An IAF IL-76 airlifted 181 Indians those evacuated from Libya and brought to Alexandria and flew them back home on 10 Mar 2011.
Humanitarian aid mission to Philippines:
In
a display of solidarity with the citizens of Hurricane ravaged
Philippines, Government of India on 14 Nov 2013 despatched relief
package comprising of medicines, hygiene
and chemicals, tentage, blankets, tarpaulins and ready to eat meals ex
Armed Forces stocks by an Indian Air Force C-130 aircraft to Mactan.
· SCALING NEW HEIGHTS
IN SPORTS AND ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITIES
· Four air warriors of IAF ‘Delphinus’ became the first services
team in the world to swim the English Channel on 26 June 2012 by safely and successfully crossing the channel in 12 hours 14 minutes. They became the fastest
Asian team to swim English Channel in its category.
· Subedar Major Vijay Kumar brought glory and laurels to Indian
Army as well as to the Country by winning a Silver Medal at the London Olympics in 25 meter pistol shooting event.Olympic silver medalist Vijay Kumar was subsequently
promoted as Subedar Major and given a cash award of Rs.30 lakh by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony.
· 49 naval sportsmen represented
the country at various international sports events during the year and have won three Gold, two Silver and five bronze medals.
· Chief Petty Officer Omkar Singh won 2 Gold, 1 team Gold and 1
team Silver in the Shooting events while another shooter Sub Vijay Kumar won 1 Gold, 2 team Gold and 1 Silver medals in the Commonwealth Games 2010.
· The Services Football team lifted the coveted Santosh Trophy
title in 2012, for only the second time in more than five decades. The last time they had won the trophy was in 1961.
· Chief Petty Officer Omkar Singh of the Navy shooting team has
been bestowed the Arjuna Award for sporting Excellence for the year 2012.
· Indian Army Women’s Everest Expedition-2012 put four women officers
on the summit of Mt. Everest. They achieved this feat on 25 May 2012.
Sitanshu Kar/
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