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Following is the full text of the Statement made by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in Lok Sabha today regarding the status of implementation of recommendations contained in the first report of the Standing Committee on Defence :
I am making this statement on the status of implementation of recommendations contained in the The First Report of the Standing Committee on Defence (14th Lok Sabha) in pursuance of the direction 73A of the Hon'ble Speaker, Lok Sabha vide Lok Sabha Bulletin - Part II dated September 01, 2004.
The First Report of the Standing Committee on Defence (14th Lok Sabha) was presented to the Lok Sabha on 19.8.2004. The report relates to the examination of Demands for Grants of Ministry of Defence for the year 2004-2005.
Action Taken Statements on the recommendations/ observations contained in the -report of the Committee had been sent to the Standing Committee on Defence on 17.1.2005.
There are 28 recommendations made by the Committee in the said report where action is called for on the part of the Government. These recommendations mainly pertain to the issues like augmentation of budgetary resources, setting up of non-lapsable Defence Modemisation Fund, long term strategic planning for our Defence needs, streamlining of Defence Procurement Procedure, training, pension related issues, acquiring of best available machines and equipments for Defence Forces, modernisation of Defence Public Sector Undertakings and Ordnance Factories, development of advanced avionics and missile systems, setting up of National Defence University, construction of National War Memorial etc.
The present status of implementation of the various recommendations made by the Committee is indicated in the Annexure to my Statement which is laid on the Table of the House. I would not like to take the valuable time of the House to read out all the contents of this Annexure. I would request that this may be considered as read.
Annexure
Statement showing the implementation status of recommendations made by the
Standing Committee on Defence (14th Lok Sabha) in their First Report
Sl. No.
Recommendations
Para Nos.
Status of implementation
1.
Ministry to assess the situation in the light of likely impact of reduced allocations on the new schemes and on going acquisition proposals and approach the Ministry of Finance for supplementary allocations at the earliest to ensure that the modernization plans and procurement of essential equipments do not suffer or get delayed merely because of squeezing of funds.
33
The allocation for defence has been increased to Rs. 77,000 crore, as against Rs. 65,300 crore in BE 2003-04 which includes an allocation for capital expenditure of Rs. 33,483 crore as against Rs. 20,953 crore in BE 2003-04.
2.
To set up the Defence Modernisation Fund with committed allocation for a period of five years.
43
The utility of Defence Modernisation Fund in addressing the issue of assured availability of funds will be rather limited and hence the proposal is not being pursued.
3.
The matter regarding finalization of the Tenth Defence Plan to be taken up with the Ministry of Finance.
51
The Ministry has energetically pursued the allocation of funds for defence in the tenth Plan with the Ministry of Finance. Ministry of Finance have now agreed in principle to the latest projections made by the Ministry of Defence of Rs. 418101/- crores. However, a firm indication of annual outlays for the remaining two years of the 10th Plan has not yet been given by the Ministry of Finance.
4.
Prepare a 15 year road map with long-term strategic vision and apprise the Committee of the progress made in this regard within three months.
52
A draft Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) covering the 15 year period from the Tenth to the Twelfth Plan (2002-2017) was formulated in June 2004. A revised Plan is expected to be finalized by the Integrated Defence Staff by the last quarter of 2005.
5.
Constitute a Study Group to examine defence procurement procedures and structures
57
Defence Procurement Procedure is presently under review in the Ministry to make it more streamlined, transparent and effective.
6.
Ministry to take a view urgently on the recommendations on the Group of Ministers for establishment of the Chief of Defence Staff
62
A decision on the institution of a CDS has not yet been taken in view of the complexities and sensitivities involved. However, pending a decision on the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), on Integrated Defence Staff has been set up under the Chief of Integrated Staff to the Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC).
7.
Construction of a National War Memorial and National War Museum
67
The Cabinet Secretariat is being requested to constitute an Inter-Ministerial High Level Committee of National War Memorial and National War Museum.
8.
Setting up of an Indian National Defence University
72-74
The various recommendations given by the Committee on the National Defence University (CONDU) are under examination in the Government and a detailed project report to this effect is under preparation.
9.
To arrest the slide in the Officers cadre in the Army
82
A Committee was set up in the Ministry of Defence to examine this issue. The implementation of the recommendations relating to the time-based promotions in non-select ranks has been completed. The remaining recommendations are under the consideration of the Government.
10.
Period of short Service Commission should be raised from 5 to 10 years, measures for more promotional avenues for Short Service Commission Officers in their cadre, reservation and lateral transfer to PSU, CPMF, Railways etc and Prorata pension to officers.
83
The tenure of Short Service Commissioned Officers in the Army has been increased to 14 years from 10 years with effect from 31st March, 2004. A Committee set up by the Government has also recommended specific measures for SSC Officers like concessions in the Civil Service Exams, lateral induction into Central Para Military Forces, Public/Private Sectors etc, which are under examination.
11.
Specialized training should be imparted to NCC cadets so that they can face SSB more confidently.
Provide necessary support for introduction of modern teaching methodologies and better infrastructure.
Promote studies of language of the region, Hindi and English in addition to introduction of uniform curriculum.
84
Sanction of the Government has been conveyed for commencement of SSB Training Course at NCC Officers Training Academy (OTA), Kamptee and NCC OTA, Gwalior.
It is mandatory for every student to join the NCC while joining Sainik Schools.
Apart from Hindi and English, regional language is also being taught in Sainik Schools.
12.
Implementation of ‘One Rank One Pension’
88
The Government have constituted a Group of Ministers to go into various aspects of the issue relating to ‘One Rank One Pension’
13.
Information Directorate should be a tri-service body while coordinating closely with the Ministry of Home Affairs and intelligence agencies
92
A Directorate of Information Warfare & Information Technology has been formed in the HQ IDS to take up the issues of Information Warfare (IW) at tri-service level.
14.
Acquisition and deployment of Electronic Warfare and Electronic Counter-Counter Measures be given high priority and steps taken for their indigenous development.
94
High priority has been accorded for acquisition of Electronic Warfare (EW) and Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM).
15.
Our soldiers must be provided the best available equipments in the world
101
The Committee’s recommendations are endorsed for implementation in future plans.
16.
Old and defective stock of mines fuses be replaced with modern, state-of-the-art mines and excavation equipments for demining for use in future operations.
103
Old stock mines upto 1975 vintage have been sentenced as ‘unserviceable’ and are being disposed off, while proof testing of mines vintage 1976-1989 is under progress by the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA). For future operations, AHQ is considering the procurement of a new family of state-of-the-art mines and demining equipment.
17.
Formulate a long-term plan to ensure that Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) get regular orders and the expertise developed and the state-of-the-art facilities in these centers of excellence are gainfully utilized.
109
Early finalization of the Armed Forces’ Perspective Plan will enable BDL to plan its production schedule and ensure better utilization of installed capacity. The Company is also exploring the possibilities of exporting its products to other countries.
18.
Time bound modernization programme of Ordnance Factories should be vigorously pursued and adequate financial allocation earmarked to make them competitive and at par with the international standards.
115
&
123
The observations have been noted for compliance. An estimated amount of Rs. 1804 crores has been projected during 10th Plan period under New Capital (NC) and Renewal and Replacement (RR), which is under consideration of the Government.
19.
(a) Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) should chalk out a comprehensive plan to increase its market share in the domestic market by introduction of new products through the Transfer of Technology route.
116
The observations made by the Committee have been noted for compliance.
(b) Ordnance Factory Board should also formulate a strategy to increase their exports further. Ordnance Factory Board needs to be restructured by the induction of experts as to make it a truly professional body.
116
The recommendations of the Committee for restructuring of the Board would be considered for implementation keeping in view the recommendations of the various expert groups in this regard. However, OFB already has representatives of users, designing and inspection agencies and producers, who are experts in their own areas.
20.
Ordnance Factories should be more careful in manufacturing and storage of ammunitions of critical importance do not go waste.
123
The observations made by the Committee have been noted for compliance.
21.
Allocation of funds for implementation of the Navy’s 15 year shipbuilding plan
134
All efforts will be made by Government to ensure that adequate funds are provided to the Navy to maintain its force level.
22.
Adequate budgetary support should be provided to Coast Guard to fully equip it with the latest state-of-the-art equipments and systems.
142
The Coast Guard has been quipped from time to time with new kind of vessels/aircrafts to meet the specific functional requirement. Modernization of vessels/aircrafts of Coast Guard and suitable additions thereon are undertaken on a continuing basis.
23.
To ensure that the induction plan of LCA is not delayed any further and to secure licensed production of Mirage-2000.
153
Efforts are being made for the induction of the first production version of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) with Initial Operation Clearance (IOC) in March, 2007 and Final Operation Clearance (FOC) in March, 2009, The induction of the first squadron in the Air Force is expected by 2010-11.
24.
The Public Relations Division of the Ministry should be adequately strengthened and sensitized to be more proactive for presentation of factual position in the correct perspective.
154
A series of steps are being taken to strengthen and modernize the media activities of the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR).
25.
The development of Aerospace Command must be examined expeditiously by the air Headquarters and concrete steps be taken to set up the Command earliest.
158
The Government is in the process of examining all aspects related to an Aerospace Command.
26.
Install adequate number of sensors/radars all along the international borders of the country. Equip the Defence forces with military satellites with high resolution camera to keep watch on the activities in the border regions.
161
&
162
Adequate medium level coverage along the Western and Northern borders already exists. Airspace coverage in Central and Peninsular India is yet to be adequately catered for.
Satellite Based Surveillance (SBS) Programme has also been launched to augment surveillance over the Indian airspace.
27.
Develop the Advance Avionics Systems indigenously
170
A number of measures have been taken by the Government for the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. to acquire expertise for the indigenous development and manufacture of hardware & software required for Advanced Avionics Systems.
28.
Development of BrahMos and NAG should be expedited.
175
The Indo-Russian Joint Venture (JV) has completed the development of anti-ship version of the BrahMos missile. The land to land version is in the development phase. For air launched missile with Sukhoi aircraft (Su-30 Mk-I), design effort has started. Nag missile fitted in Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) for Army aviation is being developed and project will be accelerated. ALH-NAG carriage trials are planned in the 2nd quarter of 2005.
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