New Delhi: Government today said the
defence forces had "marginally underutilised" the funds
allocated for procurement of defence equipment during the last
two years.
"In the last two years, there has been marginal
underutilisation, on account of complexities of the procedure
of procurement of defence equipment," Defence Minister A K
Antony said in a written reply to a Lok Sabha question.
Out of the Rs 28110.01 and Rs 30614 crore allocated in
2007-08 and 2008-09 respectively, the forces could spend Rs
27903.42 and Rs 29994.03 crore in the period, he added.
The minister said the forces had overspent Rs 126.05
crore against their allocated budget of Rs 26774.3 crore in
2006-07.
Meanwhile replying to another query, the defence
minister said a global tender for the construction of Rohtang
tunnel was issued. The tunnel when constructed will enable
Lahaul-Spiti to be linked to the rest of the state even after
the Rohtang pass closes in winter.
Bureau Report
