Approval accorded for procurement of military hardware worth Rs 1.83 lakh crore since 2020-21: Govt

The Central authorities on Friday stated it has accorded in-principle approval for procurement of military gear worth Rs 1,83,778 crore since 2020-21. The approval termed Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is step one towards procurement of any military gear and hardware below India’s defence acquisition norm.

Tendering and contracting course of is undertaken solely after the grant of AoN.

“In the interval 2020-21 to 2022-23 (until June 30), 59 AoNs amounting to Rs 1,83,778.34 crore have been accorded and 91 contracts amounting to Rs 1,19,045.3 crore have been concluded,” Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt stated within the Lok Sabha, whereas replying to a query.

“Capital acquisition of defence gear is carried out as per provisions of Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP). The DAP-2020 lays down the timelines for completion of acquisition actions,” Bhatt stated.

“Further, the actions are commonly monitored in order to make sure finalisation of proposals and conclusion of contracts expeditiously,” he added.

On a query on girls recruitment within the Indian Navy , Bhatt stated they’ve been recruited as officers since 1992.

“Consequent to Department of Military Affairs’ notification No. RP/3312/Women dated twenty third June 2022, girls are additionally eligible for appointment as sailors within the Indian Navy,” he stated.