NEW DELHI, Feb 15 (UNI): Stressing the need for a public debate on defence planning in India, a former Army Chief today called for making the process more responsive to changes in the geo-strategic and regional security environment.
General (Retd) Ved Prakash Malik, in a policy paper already presented to Government, emphasised the need for long-term defence planning and greater synergy between defence and development plans.
Observing that the lack of a cohesive national security strategy and defence policy had resulted in "inadequate political direction" regarding politico-military objectives, Gen Malik urged the Government to prepare a clear national security strategy, defence policy, and review it every four-to-five years.
Further, with creation of capabilities necessary to face future threats and challenges being time-consuming, it was essential for the defence services to evolve ten-to-15-year perspective plans with the required budgetary support, said Gen Malik.
The policy paper, titled 'Defence Planning in India' and co-authored by Gen Malik and Brigadier (Retd) Gurmeet Kanwal at the Observer Research Foundation's Institute of Security Studies, has already been presented to Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee.
Its copies had also been given to all members of the Planning Commission, Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and the Standing Committee of Parliament on Defence.
In order to do away with the annual practice of the Defence Ministry surrendering huge amounts as 'unspent' on the Capital-acquisition head, Gen Malik suggested creation of a non-lapsable Defence Modernisation Fund to ensure that allocations were optimally utilised and funds marked for capital-acquisitions were not allowed to lapse.
Significantly, a similar Fund set up by the previous National Democratic Alliance government was dissolved by the present United Progressive Alliance even as it assumed office last year.
Further, calling for better management of the Revenue Budget of the Services, the policy paper suggested curtailment in annual maintenance expenditure through greater exploitation of available public and private sector industrial infrastructure capability and offering incentives to the Services to save.
Gen Malik said the key issues begging immediate attention included the need for prior approval for five-year defence plans, better management of the defence revenue and capital acquisitions budgets, streamlining the defence procurement process and better human resource management.
Towards this end, the policy paper suggested the appointment of a group of eminent experts to study the present defence planning process, identify the lacunae and grey areas in the process and recommend structural and procedural changes.
Vivek Oberoi opens exhibition on "Heroes of Tsunami" CHENNAI, Feb 15 (UNI): Vivek Oberoi, hailed as the "real hero" of Bollywood, today inaugurated an art exhibition titled "Heroes of Tsunami" in honour of those whose valour and compassion gave hope to those whose lives were shattered by the tsunami.
The exhibition featured the works of one professional and two amateur artists, who have chosen kindness, hope and courage as themes in the aftermath of the December 26 tidal tragedy in 26 paintings.
Vivek's spiritual guru Swami Chidanand Saraswathi of the Paramath Niketan Ashram and Olympian and Padmashree awardee Shiny Wilson were also present on the occasion.
The proceeds from the exhibition will be donated to the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund in aid of tsunami victims.
Vivek has become a household name in Tamil Nadu after he rushed with relief material to tsunami-affected areas and adopted the worst-hit fishing hamlet, Devanampattinam, in Cuddalore district.
Leading from the front, the hero literally wiped away the tears of victims, who had lost their loved ones and property in the calamity, and also provided them shelter, clothing and food.
The entire Oberoi family, accompanied by Swami Chidanand Saraswati, camped at the village and oversaw the relief and rehabilitation work to help the fisherfolk restore their livelihood.
