Shivaji Sarkar
An emaciated nation cares more for food and daily chores than security of the nation. Bogged by economic mis-management any wonder India has continuously been ignoring investment in defence services.
Politically also it is not so much a vote-catcher except at war time. Truted war” on its land borders in the North, North-East and West. The sea frontiers have also seen a series of proxy attacks whereby these low-intensity battles have caused concern among the forces but sadly, the nation has largely ignored these as a “routine affair” or failed to appreciate that they were a threat.
So while a series of “accidents” of naval submarines and ships, 10 in a matter of months, have not been able to wake the country up from its slumber. Yet, the resignation of Naval Chief DK Joshi has ruffled feathers of the political and defence Establishment wherein it could become an election issue.
Undeniably, this would be good for the nation as people would have an informed choice for electing a Government that would be able to take care of critical security needs.
Alas, some Parties have made customary periodical noises, but the nation has not seen a fruitful debate in Parliament or outside on the actual threat, needs and the defence forces annual budgetary allocation. Given that the three wings, navy, air force and even the army need large investments.
Pertinently, Parliament’s Standing Committee on Defence has expressed its concern over miniscule — around 10 per cent a year increase in annual allocation — several times but to no avail. In reality, the final utilisation or sanctions have been less or the increase has been gobbled up by inflation.
In the 2013-14 Budget, capital outlay for the three services was pegged at Rs 86,740 crore but in the revised estimate presented now it has come down to Rs 78,872 crore, while the total allocation of all defence needs has been increased to Rs 224,000 crore from Rs 203,672 crore in 2014-15. But this comprises regular expenses, including salaries and other routine stuff. This budget also includes an increase in pensionary needs owing to the grant of one-rank-one-pension.
Thus, the leeway to the defence forces remains limited for shoring up actual requirement as also upgradation. This apart, each demand has to be vetted by bureaucrats, who often least understand professional needs, resulting in delayed decisions by defence officials who shirk their responsibilities.
Sadly, red tape is a reality. Shockingly, the Mumbai harbour is considered risky for operation of naval ships as it is not dredged to create the necessary draught. Since dredging entails a financial cost, the Harbour saves on it thereby creating unsafe conditions. Remember, the Sindhughosh submarine had got stuck because of low depth recently.
As there are constraints for a Government, wherein its non-plan expenditure goes on increasing every year, the powers-that-be does not mind bureaucratic delays. Quite often, this is counted as important savings that help the Government meet its fiscal “deficit”, a necessity to create international “trust” in the Administration’s “ability” to manage.
Consequently, acquisition of new submarines is approved “in principle” but remain stuck for years on end for a decision. One instance: In 2007 six new submarines under Project 75 valued at over Rs 50,000 crore got acceptance as “necessity”. Three Committees since then have gone into this question without giving any recommendation. Presently it is shuttling between the Finance and Defence Ministries awaiting clearance. Of these, two are to be sourced from foreign suppliers while the other four are to be built in the country.
Notably, most other submarines have out-lived their lives, the CAG has noted while many others were retro-fitted. But this is considered a risky affair as a submarine has a projected life of 25 to 30 years wherein as it ages the risks of malfunctions rise. Also, re-fits do not help much. Thus, it is akin to a ticking time-bomb underwater which could go haywire any time.
Pertinently, the two recent submarines which met with the worst accidents had been repaired and re-fitted. The Sindhuratna, the latest victim of the fire incident in which two officers lost their lives and the Sindhurakshak, which sunk due to internal blasts with all 18 seamen on board had gone through this process. But now it appears that the Sindhuratna’s old batteries were not replaced and had got stuck because of low depth. A pennywise pound foolish decision.
Importantly, the distrust between the civilian-controlled Defence Ministry and the defence leadership has been deepening for the past few years. The civilian officials suspect each move by top defence officials. They allege that demands are “hiked” and often are “unrealistic”. On their part, defence officials grudge that the civilians never realize their needs and look for pretexts to keep off projects that are vital to the country’s needs.
Some of the recent purchases be it Augusta copters, guns or aircrafts have also been mired in corruption controversies and payment of commissions. In some cases, even foreign firms have alleged paying bribes. Presently, a retired Air Force Chief and his family members are facing probes and prosecution for certain acquisitions.
Recall, each deal has a clause that no commission should be paid. But the reality is different, internationally every deal involves cuts and commissions. True, there have been suggestions to allow these commissions legally to smoothen the process of purchases. However, the ghost of Bofors continues to haunt. So nobody takes a decision.
Clearly, it is not just the navy, the air force too is in need of adding to its capabilities. For decades, it had been flying the MIGs, nicknamed ‘flying coffins’. The army also has many of its requirements, guns, high powered-armoured vehicles and tanks, soldiers’ dresses which remain pending.
Undoubtedly, the demands projected needed scrutiny. But could the process be so long that the defence forces themselves remain defenceless? The Sindhuratna and Sindhurakshak disasters and the torpedoing of the Naval Chief are symptomatic of a deepening malaise.
In sum, one cannot blame the bureaucracy alone. The UPA’s political leadership has also not acted. One hopes the ensuing elections will decide the direction of India’s defence preparedness. Till such time will the chaos continue? INFA
Follow our WhatsApp channel