NEW DELHI, June 4 (H.S.): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the doubling of financial powers delegated to field commanders to strengthen the operational efficiency of the armed forces. On Wednesday, he released the revised Delegation of Financial Powers to Defence Services document, under which financial powers exceeding Rs 1.25 lakh crore annually have been granted for revenue-related procurement. The decision is expected to empower field commanders with greater authority, accelerate decision-making, and enhance operational preparedness.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the revised financial powers for indigenisation, research, and development have been doubled to promote self-reliance in the defence sector and reduce dependence on imports. New provisions, along with enhanced financial authority, have also been introduced to expedite joint procurement for the armed forces.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh said the government's initiative would provide greater autonomy to field commanders, enabling faster decision-making processes and ultimately strengthening the country's operational readiness.

While releasing the revised Delegation of Financial Powers to Defence Services, the Defence Minister stated that the primary objective of the new framework is to encourage research and development in the defence sector while reducing foreign dependence. He noted that the initiative would significantly support indigenous defence manufacturing and facilitate greater participation by private companies, including small and medium enterprises as well as start-ups. The doubling of financial authority for project execution is expected to ensure timely completion of critical assignments and infrastructure projects.

The enhanced financial powers will facilitate procurement worth more than Rs 1.25 lakh crore in accordance with the current fiscal year's budgetary allocation. Several new competent financial authorities have also been introduced to decentralise the procurement of goods and services.

The Ministry further stated that the financial powers of field commanders were last notified in 2021. The latest revision had become necessary in view of the increased expenditure associated with military operations. The updated framework, aligned with the revised Defence Procurement Manual notified in October 2025, is expected to accelerate procurement decisions and improve defence acquisitions. It will also ensure the timely availability of resources in line with the operational requirements of the armed forces.

Among those present on the occasion were Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of Defence Production Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Finance) Vishwajit Sahay, Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Sukriti Likhi, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Controller General of Defence Accounts Anugrah Narayan Das, and other senior officials.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar