'Increase in defence allocation sounds good'

Air Marshal S K Sareen

While increase of five per cent defence allocation sounds good, and the increase in the last two years even sounded better. Though it was worrisome to our adversories, the real facts are somewhat different.

Almost Rs 40 billion were parked with the PSUs during 2000-2001 and I think about the same amount remains unspent from the Budget of 2001-2002. Considering the inflation rate and escalation in the cost of equipment, the actual kitty available in fact would buy us far less. This obviously would have an impact on our modernisation plans.

If we are able to use cohesive diplomacy on our neighbour today, ie Pakistan, it is primarily because of the present state of our armed forces. Potential of the armed forces of a nation have a direct bearing on the deterrence value that you would have on your adverseries, more so in a nuclear environment.

This amount could be well spent on health and education. Actually, I am not too sure how well are the existing allocations on these two important subjects are being utilized.

There is no argument from the fact that we need to spend monies on our education and health. The allocation for defence cannot be lowered beyond a point. What needs to be done is to cut down excessive government spending. I think, we all would agree that today both in the government offices and the PSUs we have 30 to 40 per cent manpower. This amount could be well spent on health and education. Actually, I am not too sure how well the existing allocations on these two important subjects are being utilized.

There is no getting away from the fact that all the money that is allocated is badly needed for urgent modernization of our forces. The Budget unspent is primarily due to bureaucratic delays and our politicians not being made accountable for ensuring that the health of the armed forces is kept at its optimum level.

They have in fact found another escape route where in they try and put the blame on the CVC and the CAG. I feel this problem must be killed in the bud itself by having a member from the CVC and CAG as observers during all the PNCs (Price Negotiation Committees). Let these two watch dog agencies say what they have to say and pic-nick while the PNCs in progress rather than pick up worms from old files.

Let me assure you that no equipment is ever purchased unless it is going to add to our operational potential, there being scams on purchase of various high cost equipment, but let me assure you that these weapon systems were the need of the hour.

Often such equipment is available from two to three different agencies. Service headquarters shortlist these agencies who meet the qualitative requirements. There after, it is the MOD (Ministry of Defence) which has component of defence finance which eventually selects the vendor.

We have a few Generals already in the Parliament who are members of the Rajya Sabha. Where as I feel that that we need to have some more in the Lok Sabha also, but for that you will first have to understand how these elections are fought. Generals can win you wars, but I assure you that our present democratic system hasn't yet matured to be able to sift the qualitative requirement that they are looking for in their elected leaders.

I understand that the second prototype will be ready shortly. Fighter aeroplane business demands cutting edge of technology in all its sub-parts. This being so it wont be almost another six to eight years before we will have the LCA in our squadrons.

It is unfortunate that a few of our service personnel got roped in in such deeds. Let me assure you that they are not even a drop in the ocean and hence our fighting forces continue to be fighting fit and would always deliver whenever the occasion demands from them.

Air Chief Marshal S K Sareen is a former Indian Air Force chief

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