Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the funds earmarked for modernization of para-military forces during the period 2002-07 were not fully utilized, thereby endangering the security of both common man and the VIPs;

(b) if so, reasons for this tardy action by those responsible for procuring necessary sophisticated equipment for the forces;

(c) the funds earmarked for each force for the said period, their utilization in each case and whether the unspent funds would be utilized for future purposes;

(d) whether it is a fact that the unspent funds derail Government`s troop modernization plan; and

(e) the action taken/proposed to be taken to ensure that all forces are properly equipped without further delay?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI SRIPRAKASH JAISWAL)

(a) to (e) : A statement is annexed.

Annexure

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (e) of RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3731 FOR 9TH MAY, 2007

a) It is a fact that the amount spent for modernization of Central Para Military Forces (CPMFs) during the period 2002-07 was less than the outlay approved.  However, with the amounts already spent for modernization, CPMFs have been able to procure substantial quantity of sophisticated weaponary, communication system, surveillance equipments and bullet proof vehicles which are being used extensively during various operations with good effect.

b) The shortfall in expenditure vis-à-vis the outlays has been due to various difficulties in procurement of items approved in the plan, such as, delay in framing of qualitative requirements, upgrading of item periodically in view of rapid changes in technologies, non – availability of certain critical items on DGS&D rate contract, etc.

c) The force-wise allocation of funds and amount spent till 31-3-2007 is given below:

(Rs. In crores)

The scheme is proposed to be extended by two years in order to achieve its full implementation.

d) With the amounts already spent for modernization of CPMFs, a substantial quantity of sophisticated weaponary, communication/surveillance equipments etc, have been procured which have been used effectively by the CPMFs during various operations.  Government proposes to extend the scheme by two years in order to achieve its full implementation.

e) It has been a constant endeavour on the part of the Government to equip the forces with modern weaponry / equipments etc.  In order to ensure speedy / full utilization of earmarked funds, the Government has taken various steps to expedite procurement process such as setting up of expert groups for formulation of qualitative requirements, initiating process for procuring items not available on DGS&D rate contracts through open tender, etc.