In a move aimed at bolstering border security, the Indian government has significantly increased the special financial powers granted to Army commanders responsible for safeguarding the nation's frontiers with China.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved new annual budgets that will enable commanders to expedite the procurement of crucial equipment required for troops deployed on the ground.
The Central Command, overseeing the border with China in Uttarakhand, has witnessed a substantial four-fold increase in its financial authority. The Central Commander can now utilize up to ₹200 crore for urgent procurements, addressing the heightened Chinese military activity observed in the region in recent years.
The Eastern Command, responsible for borders in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, has had its special financial powers doubled to ₹400 crore. The Northern Command, which faces the most intense Chinese military buildup across the Ladakh border since 1962, has also received a boost, with its special financial powers enhanced from ₹400 crore to ₹500 crore – the highest among all commands.
These augmented financial powers are expected to streamline the acquisition of critical equipment and resources, allowing for swift responses to evolving security challenges on the sensitive border regions. It underscores India's commitment to maintaining a robust and agile defence posture in the face of potential threats from chinese aggression.
