PUNE: Like the common people, armed forces personnel have high expectations from the upcoming Budget. Many officers and other ranks believe that the government should provide more funds for capital procurement and there should not be any reduction in perks of soldiers. They also hope for tax exemptions and doing away with non-core functions like canteen service etc.
An officer told Sakal Times, “India needs to enhance the capability of armed forces commensurate to the country’s economic and global prowess. This demands phased, focused and complimentary modernisation, which is capital intensive. Unfortunately, a major chunk of the defence budget is taken by revenue expenditure, which leaves inadequate funds for modernisation.”
“Considering the shrinking GDP projections, the Budget, especially capital expenditure, is going to be significantly affected. Hence, the Ministry of Defence needs to take tough decisions like reduction or closure of inefficient DRDO, Ordnance Factories, monetisation of defence land in a phased manner to raise funds internally for modernisation. The Military Engineer Service (MES), Canteen Stores Department (CSD), Defence Estates need to be pruned.
“Unnecessary and inefficient organisations need to be right-sized or closed ruthlessly. Time has come to shun populist measures,” the officer added.
About the CSD, many believe that the canteen should have limited goods. “I think in major cities, canteen facilities should be restricted to expensive and rare items like luggage bags, electrical appliances, vehicles and electronics. ”
Another officer wants the government to consider tax exemption for armed forces as in many other countries.
“There is talk of reducing the military service pay as well besides ending the pension for military personnel. There is a huge difference in the hardships faced by military personnel and civil servants. Yet in perks and benefits, civil servants are way better. And now attempts are being made to reduce whatever little we get. At least there should be no reduction if no increments. That’s the least expectation,” said a young officer.
