Highlights on MoD and PAC Disagreement on Soldiers’ Needs

Highlights on MoD and PAC Disagreement on Soldiers’ Needs

Subject: Polity

Section: National Body

1. Contention Over Winter Supplies:
   • The Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Lok Sabha’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) disagree over issues related to winter clothing, equipment, and ration for soldiers deployed at high altitudes.
2. Funding Challenges:
   • PAC emphasizes the need for separate budgets for such requirements to avoid delays and the supply of recycled materials. The panel challenges MoD’s repeated claim of no dearth of funds.
3. Quality Standards and Expired Items:
   • PAC flags serious discrepancies in quality standards and the supply of expired items. The Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) faces reprimand for overlooking troop acceptance of technical specifications.
4. Recommendation for DGQA:
   • PAC insists on bringing DGQA under the Services to enhance responsiveness and accountability.
5. Budgetary Allocation Issues:
   • Expenditure on High Altitude Clothing and Equipment (HACE) faces challenges as it is met from the allotment under ‘General Stores and Clothing,’ which caters to the entire Army. PAC recommends separate budget heads to cater specifically to high-altitude needs.
6. Impact on Troops:
   • Procedural delays, non-supply or supply of recycled items affect the health and hygiene of troops in high-altitude areas. Lack of research and development and dependence on imports contribute to the challenges.
7. Contradictions in Ministry’s Replies:
   • PAC notes contradictions in MoD’s replies, stating that budgetary constraints do not affect procurement, while also acknowledging shortages due to budget limitations.
8. Justification for Separate Budgets:
   • PAC justifies the recommendation for separate budget heads, emphasizing better fund management, monitoring, and timely revisions for clothing, equipment, housing, and ration in high-altitude areas.
9. Response to Audit Findings:
   • Instances of procedural delays and non-supply highlighted during the audit contradict MoD’s claim of no budgetary constraints affecting procurement.
10. Panel’s Persistence on Recommendations:
    • Despite MoD’s earlier replies and persistence on existing fund allocation methods, PAC stands by its recommendation for separate budget heads, considering the terrain-specific needs.

Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA):

1. DGQA is a regulatory body responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of defense products and services in India.
2. It was established to oversee quality assurance in defense production and procurement.
3. DGQA operates under the Ministry of Defence and plays a crucial role in maintaining the standards of defense equipment.
4. The primary function is to provide regulatory oversight, inspection, and quality assurance for defense-related products, including weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and electronic systems.
5. In summary, DGQA is a key institution in India’s defense establishment, focusing on maintaining high-quality standards in defense production to meet the operational needs of the armed forces.