Congress hits out at Centre over reports of Army downsizing | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Congress hits out at Centre over reports of Army downsizing

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Sep 13, 2018 12:16 AM IST

“If the government can spend Rs 5,000 crore in the last 4.5 years on publicity of the Prime Minister, why can’t it spend that same amount for weaponry and ammunition for our armed forces?” Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi asked.

The Congress on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government over reports suggesting that the Army may cut 1.5 lakh jobs to save “between Rs 5,000 crore and Rs 7,000 crore” and divert that towards capital expenditure for modernising the armed forces.

The Congress on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government over reports suggesting that the Army may cut 1.5 lakh jobs.(Reuters File Photo)
The Congress on Wednesday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government over reports suggesting that the Army may cut 1.5 lakh jobs.(Reuters File Photo)

Hindustan Times had reported on Monday that the Indian Army was likely to cut more than 1.5 lakh troops over the next four to five years under an overarching cadre review that seeks to sharpen the force’s effectiveness and prepare it for future wars.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Four concurrent studies are underway in the army covering wide-ranging issues including downsizing, improving the army’s tooth-to-tail ratio, revamping different verticals, cutting down the size of the army HQs, enhancing career prospects and other organisational reforms. Currently, the army’s revenue expenditure stands at 83%, leaving only a measly 17% available for modernisation.

“If it is true that the defence ministry has a proposal that it wants the Indian Army to shed 1.5 lakh jobs, then isn’t the Modi government guilty of destroying more jobs ? 1.5 lakh families will be severely affected by this decision,” Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi told reporters.

Questioning the proposal, he said it was in the BJP’s “DNA to seek political mileage from martyrdom” of soldiers.

“If the government can spend Rs 5,000 crore in the last 4.5 years on publicity of the Prime Minister, why can’t it spend that same amount for weaponry and ammunition for our armed forces?” Singhvi asked.

The government, however, rebutted the allegation, calling it ‘unfortunate’. An official said, “No proposal for reducing the strength of the defence forces, as alleged by the Congress, is under the government’s consideration. Unlike its predecessor, this government has taken specific and decisive steps to translate into action its commitment to ensuring the country’s defence and security.”

Government has attached the highest priority to modernising armed forces, the official added.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On