Question : DEFENCE EXPENDITURE IN NON ESSENTIAL AREAS

(a) whether expenditure of the Defence Forces in non-essential areas is to be rationalized in keeping with other development requirements of the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether enormous resources are spent by Defence Forces on the construction and maintenance of messes and regimental halls/community centres;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether these facilities are scarcely used and require huge manpower to maintain them; and

(f) if so, what action is proposed to be taken in this connection?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)

(a) & (b): Requirement of funds for Defence Services is worked out every year through a rigorous process of in-house scrutiny of the projections made by the Services. The requirement of funds is also examined by the Ministry of Finance which decides the final allocation keeping in view all other developmental requirements.

(c) & (d): The expenditure being incurred on construction and maintenance of messes and other authorized buildings constitutes a small fraction of the total allocation on defence.

(e) & (f): These facilities are used on as and when required basis. Its maintenance does not require huge manpower and is carried out by the existing maintenance agencies, such as Military Engineering Services (MES).