New Delhi, Feb 17 (UNI) The Cabinet on Wednesday approved enhanced delegation of financial powers to the tune of upto Rs 200 crore under capital procurement to levels below vice-chief of armed Forces.

As per the approval, financial powers up to Rs 100 crore has been delegated to General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in the army, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief in the navy, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief in air force at Services Command and regional commanders of Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

The cabinet has also given nod for financial powers up to Rs 200 crore to deputy chief of Indian Army, Master General Sustenance, Chief of Material, Air Officer Maintenance, Deputy Chief Integrated Defence Staff and Additional Director General Indian Coast Guard.

The government had already granted Rs 500 crore to vice chiefs of three services in an effort to give a fillip to procurement of arms and ammunition and upgrade of defence preparedness.

The cabinet approval comes amid the ongoing disengagement process between India and China in Pangong Tso areas. The disengagement process would be completed by end of this week.

Once the process is completed in Pangong Tso areas, the senior commanders of two sides will begin talks on other friction points, including Gogra, Hot Springs and Depsang.

“The decision would help in enhancing the utility of existing assets and will facilitate faster processing and implementation of projects for modernization of armed forces to meet the security challenges of the nation,” he said.

Besides, the Cabinet has also approved enhanced financial powers in the Make-I category.

Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, Vice Chief of Army, Navy and deputy chief of Air Force, and Director General Coast Guard have now been given powers to sanction Government support up to Rs 50 crore towards cost of prototype development.

UNI VT SHK2023