Question : Increase in Budget

(a) whether there is a marginal increase in the defence budget and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the scenario is likely to adversely stagnate the defence modernization prospects and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the experts from the ‘Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis’ have clearly indicated that the meagre increase in the defence budget will be subsumed by the inflation and the increase in the prices of the military equipment world over;

(d) if so, the manner in which the Minister proposes to ensure the essential aspects of military modernization to continue and achieve the designated level of efficiency; and

(e) whether the stagnation in the modernization is likely to impact the security strategies of the defence forces towards compromising on military operations and if so, the details thereof?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF STATE (DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)
IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
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(a) The comparative position of defence Budget during 2016-17 and 2017-18 is as follows:-
(Rs. in Crore)
BE 2016-17 BE 2017-18
Revenue 1,62,759.00 1,72,773.89
Capital 86,340.00 86,488.01
Total: 2,49,099.00 2,59,261.90

(b) No, Madam.
(c) One of the scholars working with IDSA has mentioned that meagre increase of 5% in the official defence budget is grossly inadequate. Views of IDSA as such are not available.
(d) There has been no impact on the defence preparedness of the country.
(e) No, Madam. There has been no stagnation in the modernisation of the defence forces.

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