Mar-17Sec Flashcards
Mar-17Sec -Index
- Surveillance Ship
- Defence Sector Allocation: A Neglected Area
- 2.1. Parliament Standing Committee on Defence Report on Defence Budget 2017-18
- Kalvari Class Submarine
- Swathi-Weapon Locating Radar
- Admiralty Bill
4.1. SURVEILLANCE SHIP
Recently, indigenously developed surveillance ship called INLCU L51, of the landing craft utility (LCU) Mk IV Class project, has been commissioned into Indian Navy.
It is fitted with state-of-the-art Electronic Warfare suite for early detection of adversaries.
It is the first of the eight ships of the LCU Mk IV Class and has been built by Garden Reach Ship Builders &
Engineers Ltd, Kolkata.
This ship will help in maritime surveillance of Andaman &
Nicobar Islands to prevent activities like humans and drugs
trafficking, illegal fishing, poaching and other unlawful
activities in Indian Ocean.
It will further enhance the capabilities of the Andaman and
Nicobar Command in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster
Relief Operations.
Box--The Landing Craft Utility (LCU) is a type of boat used by amphibious forces to transport equipment and troops to the shore. Rest of the 7 LCU Mk IV class ship are launched and undergoing sea trials test.
4.2. DEFENCE SECTOR ALLOCATION: A NEGLECTED AREA
Why in news?
Parliament Standing Committee on Defence supported Ministry of Defense proposal of setting up of a “Non- lapsable Capital Fund Account”.
At present proposal of setting this fund is pending with Finance ministry for its approval.
Such proposal has been recommended because defense procurement often takes years to complete however budget allocated lapses at the end of the financial year. Thus defense ministry if forced to return money meant for capital acquisition.
However Finance Ministry is still not in favour of creation of such fund for Defence Ministry.
Earlier in 1998-99 Parliament has constituted Non-lapsable Central Pool of Resources for North Eastern region.
4.2.1. PARLIAMENT STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE REPORT ON DEFENCE BUDGET 2017-18
Parliament Standing Committee on Defence headed by Maj. B. C. Khanduri in its report pointed out that Defence allocation of 2.74 lakh crore in Budget 2017-18 is woefully inadequate to meet the demands of Indian armed forces and will impact military preparedness.
With modest hike of just 6% compared to last year (Last year 2.58 lakh crore allocated) Defence budget is pegged at 1.62% of GDP this year (lowest since 1956-57). This is way below defence ministry panel recommendation of atleast 2.5% of GDP.
Highlights of the report
Regarding Navy, committee noted that the in Budget 2017-18 only 18000 crore has been allocated for capital acquisition however contracts are signed to for 22000 crore. Hence the allocation won’t even suffice for the deals already signed.
In the case of Army, which lack adequate critical weapons and surveillance systems, only paltry sum of 25,254 crore has been allocated for capital allocation however committed liability being carried forward from 2016-17 to present year itself amounts to 23,000 crore.
Even for the Airforce, only 4000 crore has been allocated exclusively for “new schemes”. It would hamper the modernization drive of force as the procurement of aircraft and other related equipment are highly costly in nature.
Committee also stressed for creating long pending post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDC) as it will help in avoiding duplication in purchase of equipment common to all the three services.
Committee even pulled up the Defense ministry on its “Make in India” initiative by pointing out that in 2016-17, more than 22 lakh crore was spent by India Air Force on modernization however only 268.10 crore worth of contracts was provided to indian vendors.
Lastly committee came down heavily on Finance ministry for not providing timely clearance for crucial proposals.
Way ahead
Government of India must understand that there is urgent need to augment resources substantially, especially under stores and capital procurement which witnessed tremendous pressure in last few years.
Moreover, though defence ministry demand for higher allocation is genuine, it must ensure optimum utilization of available resources in time bound manner.
Defense ministry must also try to rationalize the budget by controlling manpower to give more room for higher allocation to other items.
The meagre increase of 6 % per cent in the defence budget is grossly inadequate especially in view of the vast voids existing in military capability and the imperative need of modernisation and operational preparedness.
Box–Departmentally related Standing Committee:
There are total 17 departmentally related Standing Committees formed in April, 1993.
Term of the members of these committees is 1 year.
Out of these 17 standing committees some are serviced by Rajya Sabha Secretariat while other is serviced by Lok Sabha Secretariat (Parliament Standing Committee on Defence is serviced by Lok Sabha Secretariat).
Each of these committee consists of not more than 45 members- 30 to be nominated by the Speaker, Lok Sabha from amongst the members of Lok Sabha and 15 to be nominated by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha from amongst the members of Rajya Sabha.
No Minister is eligible to be nominated to these Committees.
Major functions of these committees are:
Consideration of Demands for Grants.
Examination of Bills referred to by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha or the Speaker, Lok Sabha.
Considering long term policy documents of respective ministry.
These committees serves as an instrument for parliamentary surveillance over administration by providing necessary direction, guidance and inputs for broad policy formulations and in achievement of the long-term national perspective by the government
4.3. KALVARI CLASS SUBMARINE
Why in news? Indian navy successfully test fired an anti-ship missile from INS Kalvari Submarine. This anti-ship missile enhances submarines ability to neutralize surface threats at extended ranges. About Scorpene class submarine Indigenously built diesel powered Kalvari submarine is first in the series of six Scorpene class submarines. These Scorpene class submarines are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in collaboration with France’s DCNS under the Project 75. Recently, INS Khanderi, second of the six Scorpene class submarine was launched at Mazagon Dock Limited. These submarines are equipped with “air independent propulsion system” to allow submarine stay underwater for longer duration. They are designed to operate in all theatres, including the Tropics. They are endowed with superior stealth features, precision guided weapons and long range guided torpedoes. These classes of submarines can undertake various types of missions like anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance, etc.
Box–PROJECT 75: Under this project, French company DCNS will provides design and technology to public sector Mazagon Docks limited to make six Scorpene submarines. These are expected to be commissioned by 2020
4.4. SWATHI-WEAPON LOCATING RADAR
It is an indigenous mobile artillery locating radar (WLR) handed over to army and developed by DRDO.
Swati has a range of 50 km, which brings all artillery guns presently in service worldwide under coverage.
It is being used extensively along the LoC and has played a major role in suppressing fire from other side of border
4.5. ADMIRALTY BILL
Why in news?
Lok Sabha passed The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2016.
Background
Admiralty laws deal with cases of accidents in navigable waters or involve contracts related to commerce on such waters.
Admiralty laws in force presently in India were enacted in colonial era when India had only three major ports — Bombay, Calcutta and Madras.
Now there are 13 major ports and 205 minor ports in India but under the existing legislation, matters related to admiralty could be decided only by the High Courts of Bombay, Calcutta and Madras.
The Bill seeks to consolidate the existing laws on civil matters of admiralty jurisdiction of courts, admiralty proceedings on maritime claims, and arrest of ships.
The Bill repeals five obsolete laws such as the Admiralty Court Act, 1861, the Colonial Courts of Admiralty Act, 1890.
Major Provisions of the Bill
It confers admiralty jurisdiction on high courts located in coastal states up to territorial waters which can be further extended to exclusive economic zone or any other maritime zone of India.
Applicability: The law would be applicable on every vessel irrespective of place of residence or domicile of owner.
It will not apply to Warships and naval auxiliary and vessels used for non-commercial purposes.
Inland vessels and vessels under construction are excluded from its application, however, Central Government by notification can bring these vessels under this law.
Adjudicating Maritime Claims: The jurisdiction is for adjudicating on a set of maritime claims listed in the Bill.
In order to ensure security against a maritime claim a vessel can be arrested in certain circumstances.The liability in respect of selected maritime claims on a vessel passes on to its new owners by way of maritime liens subject to a stipulated time limit.
Assessors: The central government will appoint a list of assessors qualified and experienced in admiralty and maritime matters. The central government will also determine the duties of assessors, and their fee.
Typically, assessors assist the judges in determining rates and claims in admiralty proceedings.
