Interim Union Budget 2024-25: Rs 6.21 trillion for Defence, focus on infrastructure, tech, self-reliance; visionary ‘Viksit Bharat.’

In the current geopolitical scenario and with the twin objective of promoting self reliance and exports, the Defence Budget has touched Rs 6,21,540.85 crore in the Financial Year 2024-25. This comes out to be 13.04% of total Union Budget, which was presented by Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on February 01, 2024.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to receive the highest allocation among the Ministries. The budgetary allocation to Defence for FY 24-25 is higher by approx.  one lakh crore (18.35%)  over  the  allocation for the FY 2022-23 and 4.72% more than allocation of FY 23-24. Of this, a major share of 27.67% goes to capital, 14.82% for revenue expenditure on sustenance and operational preparedness, 30.68% for Pay and allowances, 22.72% for defence pensions and 4.11% for civil organisations under MoD.

Upward trend continues in Defence Capital Expenditure promoting ‘Aatmanirbharta’

Budgetary allocation for capital expenditure in Defence for FY 24-25 is Rs 1.72 lakh crore which is 20.33% higher than the actual expenditure of FY 22-23 and 9.40 % more than the Revised Allocation  of FY 23-24. The allocation is in line with the Long Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTIPP) of the three Services aimed to fill the critical capability gaps through modernisation of the Armed Forces by materialising some  big ticket acquisitions in FY 2024-25. The enhanced budgetary allocation will facilitate in equipping the  Armed Forces with state-of-the-art, niche technology lethal weapons, Fighter Aircraft, Ships, Platforms, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Drones, Specialist Vehicles etc.

Planned modernisation of existing Su-30 fleet along with additional procurement of aircraft, acquisition of advanced engines for existing MiG-29, acquisition of transport aircraft C-295 and missile systems will be funded out of the budget being allocated. Apart from this, to take the initiative of ‘Make in India’ further the LCA MK–I IOC/FOC configuration will be additionally funded to ensure state-of-the-art technology in domestic production. The Indian Navy projects such as acquisition of Deck-based fighter aircraft, Submarines, Next generation survey vessels etc. will all materialise through this allocation. The sizeable allocation under capital is centered around promoting ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence. Large portion of the allocation will be utilised for procurement through domestic sources to provide domestically manufacutured next generation weapon system to the country which will have a multiplier effect on the GDP, create employment, ensure capital formation and provide a stimulus to the domestic economy.

As per the Economic  Survey of India report 2023, in the ship-building sector, the investment multiplier is around 1.82, which means that an infusion of approx. Rs 1.5 lakh crore in naval ship-building projects would accrue a circulation of  Rs 2.73 lakh crore in the ship building sector due to the multiplier effect.

This year onwards, the Government of India has taken a conscious call to foster jointness among the services by consolidating  the demand of the three  services into similar items of expenditure such as Land, Aircraft and Aeroengines, Heavy and Medium Vehicles etc. This will bring flexibility in financial management by enabling the MoD to reappropriate the fund among the three services keeping in view the inter services priority. This mechanism  will also expedite decision making and ensure better utilisation of the capital budget.

Enhanced higher allocation sustained for operational readiness under Revenue Expenditure

Allocation to the Armed Forces for revenue expenditure (Other than Salary) meant for sustenance and operational commitment for FY 24-25 continues to be high at Rs 92,088 crore, which is 48% higher than the budgetary allocation of  FY 2022-23. During the mid-year review, the allocation on this head was increased by 82% over the budgetary allocation of FY 22-23 crossing the figure of Rs one lakh crore for the first time. This is aimed at providing best maintenance facilities and support system to all platforms, including aircraft and ships. It also facilitates procuring of ammunition, mobility of resources, movement of personnel, catering to day-to-day expenditure of Armed Forces in strengthening the deployment in forward areas and keeping the forces always ready to take care of any eventuality. The continued higher allocation since FY 2023-24 in this head has resolved the grievance of the forces and has improved their sustenance & operational readiness.

Defence Pension Budget increased to Rs 1.41 lakh crore

Total Budgetary allocation on account of Defence pensions is Rs 1,41,205 crore which is 2.17% higher than the allocation made during 2023-24. It will be incurred on monthly pension to approx. 32 lakh pensioners through SPARSH and through other pension disbursing authorities.

Unprecedented Allocation to Ex-Servicemen Welfare Scheme (ECHS) ensuring better healthcare facilities to Veterans

The total allocation to Ex-Servicemen Welfare Scheme for FY 2024-25 is 28% higher than the allocation for FY 23-24 (From Rs 5,431.56 crore to Rs 6,968 crore). This is in addition to the unprecedented allocation at revised estimate stage during the current year where the budgetary allocation to ECHS was enhanced by 70% over BE of 2023-24 and was made to Rs 9,221.50 crore. This significantly higher allocation is to take care of Medical Treatment Related Expenditure (MTRE) incurred during the COVID period and to compensate the increase in ECHS rates bringing it at par with the CGHS rates. This is in line with the Government’s resolve to provide best health care facilities to Ex-Servicemen, War veterans, Veer naris and their family members.

Strengthening the need of improving Border Infrastructure for strategic requirements

In the light of the continued threat perception faced at the Indo-China border, there continues a jump in the Capital Budget allocation to the Border Roads Organisation. The allocation for BE 2024-25 is Rs 6,500 crore, which is 30% higher than the allocation for FY 23-24 and 160% higher over  the allocation of  FY 2021-22. This indicates the commitment of the Government to improve border infrastructure.  The financial provision made during the budget this year, will, apart from promoting strategic infrastructural development in the border areas, also boost socio-economic development in that region along with promoting tourism. Projects such as development of Nyoma Air field in Ladakh at an altitude of 13,700 feet, permanent bridge connectivity to southernmost Panchayat of India in Andaman and Nicobar island, 4.1 km strategically important Shinku La tunnel in Himachal Pradesh, Nechiphu tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh and many other projects will be funded out of this allocation.

Strengthening the Multi Mission Service led by Indian Coast Guard

Allocation to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for this FY 2024-25 is Rs 7.651.80 crore which is 6.31% higher over the allocation of FY 2023-24. Of this, Rs 3,500 crore is to be incurred only on capital expenditure, adding teeth to the arsenal of the ICG to address the emerging challenges posed in water and provide humanitarian assistance to other nations. The allocation will facilitate the acquisition of fast moving patrolling vehicles/interceptors, advanced electronic surveillance systems and weapons.

  Underlining the need of self-Reliance in Defence technology and manufacturing through innovation and research involving all stake-holders

The budgetary allocation to Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been increased to Rs 23,855 crore in FY 2024-25 from Rs 23,263.89 crore in FY 2023-24. Of this allocation, a major share of Rs 13,208 crore is allocated for capital expenditure. This will financially strengthen the DRDO in developing new technology with special focus on fundamental research and hand-holding the private parties through Development-cum-production partner. Allocation to Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme stands out to be Rs 60 crore which is especially designed for new start-ups, MSMEs and academia attracting the young bright minds interested in innovation and developing niche technology in the field of defence in collaboration with the DRDO. The announcement regarding a Rs one lakh crore corpus for Deep Tech for long term loan to tech-savvy youth/companies and the tax advantage to the start-ups will give further impetus to innovation in the defence sector.

Through a post on X, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting a positive and encouraging ‘Interim Budget’, which outlines the vision for a confident, strong and self-reliant ‘Viksit Bharat’. The Budget gives a glimpse of India’s rapid economic transformation, inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047, he said.

The Raksha Mantri added that there is big push for infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, housing and technology development in this Budget. “During the COVID-19 when the world was faltering India emerged as the beacon of hope. This Budget is perfectly aligned with PM’s ‘Panchamrit Goals’ and it also paves the way for the next five years of unprecedented growth,” he said.

On the increase of capital expenditure outlay, Shri Rajnath Singh described it as a massive push, which will provide a big boost to making India a five trillion dollar economy by 2027.

Source: PIB