National Security Backed By Indigenous Weapons & Strong Military Is Our Focus, Says Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched several digital initiatives during the 275th Annual Day of the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) in New Delhi on Saturday. 

The initiatives include the System for Pension Administration (Raksha) (SPARSH) mobile app, the Pay System for Agniveers and Defence Accounts Receipts and Payment System (DARPAN), among others. 

The Defence Minister commended the DAD for taking digital initiatives and new initiatives and said it will increase transparency and efficiency in the functioning of the department.

Singh said that as India has completed 75 years of independence, it is moving forward with confidence and determination to become one of the most powerful countries in the world by 2047 and this goal can only be achieved if India has a strong military that is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, manufactured by indigenous industry.

He said bolstering national security has been the top priority and the allocation of Rs 5.25 lakh crore as defence budget in FY 2022-23 is a testament. 

“68 per cent of the capital procurement budget has been earmarked for the domestic industry, which underlines the government’s commitment towards achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing,” he added. 

He also explained about the committee constituted under the chairmanship of the defence secretary for the performance and efficiency audit of various aspects of the ministry. The committee will review the work being done in the ministry from a new and creative perspective through the audit. 

He suggested the department explore opportunities for setting up a faceless mechanism for financial advice, billing and payments.

Digital initiatives were launched, including the SPARSH mobile app, the Agniveer pay system, the Defence travel system, DARPAN, the Defence pay civilian system, the Defence accounts HR management system and PAO-Bharti. 

Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Smt Rasika Chaube among others were present at the event.