Page 28 - NIS English 16-28 Feb 2022

Union Budget | Defence

SWADESHI WILL GET A BOOST WITH

THE GOAL OF MODERNIZATION

The Defence budget was hiked by about 10 percent. Of the total allocation for
defence, 68 per cent will be reserved for procurement from domestic industry,
this will give a boost to the 'Make in India-Make for the world' initiative.
The emphasis will be on strengthening diverse areas from research to
strengthening border infrastructure...
The defense budget of An amount of India ranks
the country will be 1.19
5.25 3rd

lakh crore. This is 13.31 lakh crore has been in terms of defense
earmarked for defense
percent of the total pension. spending
budget.

A 40% An increase of
strong army is indispensable for any nation.
per cent budget increased 9.8%
India, once known as the world's largest
importer of defense products, is now
emerging as a top exporter. Last year India ranked for construction on
among the top 25 defense exporters. Also, many infrastructure on the percent in the pension
steps were taken to promote self-reliance in the border. budget of ex-servicemen.
defense sector and 'Make in India-Make for the
world'. Of the total allocation for defence, 68 per VIBRANT VILLAGE WILL IMPROVE THE
cent will be reserved for procurement from the INFRASTRUCTURE OF VILLAGES NEAR THE BORDER
domestic industry. It was 58% in the last financial Even as India faces security challenges on the border,
year. This will reduce the dependence on the the central government has increased the capital
import of defense equipment. A quarter of the expenditure of the Border Road Organization by 40
research and development (R&D) budget of the percent. This has been increased to Rs 3500 crore
Ministry of Defence will be set aside for private this year as against Rs 2500 crore in the financial
players, including start-ups. A nodal agency will year 2021-22. This will accelerate the progress of
also be formed for the testing and certification of the construction of border infrastructure including
indigenous products. important tunnels (Sela and Nechiphu tunnels) and
Infrastructure development and modernization bridges over major rivers.
of the Armed Forces have been accorded the Villages close to the border that lag behind in
highest priority. The capital expenditure for development due to low population and limited
defense services (expenditure on modernization infrastructure and connectivity will be covered under
and procurement) has been pegged at Rs 1.52 lakh the Vibrant Village programme. The facilities of basic
crore. This is an increase of 76 percent in a span of infrastructure, houses, tourist centers, renewable
nine years. Moreover, during this period, the total energy projects will be started. Doordarshan and
defense budget including defense pension has educational channels will reach through DTH. Along
increased by 107.29 per cent from Rs 2.53 lakh with this, a special fund will also be given here
crore in 2013-14 to Rs 5.25 lakh crore in 2022-23. for livelihood. These will be linked to the existing
schemes of the central government.
26 New India Samachar February 16-28, 2022