Recent CAG report stated that the Army had ammunition that could last just 10 days
As the opposition raised the red flag on defence preparedness on Tuesday in Rajya Sabha citing CAG reports highlighting critical gaps, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said armed forces are "reasonably and sufficiently equipped" to defend the sovereignty of the country.
A recent CAG stated that the Army faced a critical shortage of ammunition that can last just 10 days of war. Jaitley said the CAG report has 2013 as a reference point and follow-ups have ensured that situation gets better leading to significant progress. "Procedures (for procurement of arms and ammunition) have been simplified, powers decentralised, and the armed forces are reasonably and sufficiently equipped," he said.
The Opposition continued with the attack on the Defence Minister, and Congress leader Anand Sharma asked when was the procedure simplified, since the decision was taken just a few days back.
"For three years nothing was done. There has been no full-time Defence Minister in the country and the earlier one, Manohar Parrikar, was a non-performer," Sharma said.
Deputy Chairman P J Kurien said if the Opposition wants a discussion, they can give a separate notice. Raising the issue, Ramgopal Yadav (SP) said the CAG report on the shortage of arms and ammunition comes amid tension on the borders with both Pakistan and China.
"Why don't we have arms and ammunition to fight more than 10 days of war," he asked. "The people are concerned. Please do whatever is needed to save the country."
Congress leader Ripun Bora also raised the issue saying major decisions for procurement taken during 2009 and 2013 by the previous UPA government, have not been approved by the present government.
Border matters
Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said the security needs of the country and necessary steps have been initiated to ensure concerns on the borders.
Replying to a question on whether Chinese troops have entered into Indian territory several times, he said “transgressions” do occur as both sides have differing perception about Line of Actual Control.
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 "Arun Jaitley")
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