+
Defence Secretary Lauds IFA in Driving Financial Reforms
ECONOMY & POLICY

Defence Secretary Lauds IFA in Driving Financial Reforms

At the Integrated Financial Advisors (IFA) Conference 2025 held in Hampi, Karnataka, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh praised the role of IFAs in promoting transparency, accountability, and responsiveness within India’s defence financial system. The two-day event, organized by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) under the Ministry of Defence, took place from April 3–4.

Singh echoed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s vision for DAD to become a Centre of Excellence in Defence Finance and Economics. He emphasized the need for research-driven policy advice, cost-benefit analysis in procurement, and the use of AI-based financial analytics.

He also highlighted key achievements, including the DAD’s 100 per cent capital budget utilization in 2024–25 — a first in five years — and the impact of Project SAMPURNA, which uses AI, machine learning, and data science to streamline procurement, payments, and accounting.

The conference included six focused sessions that explored the role of financial advisors in capital acquisitions, challenges in the IFA system for Military Engineer Services, and discussions on Army Commander Special Financial Powers and outsourcing in defence operations.

In his opening remarks, S.G. Dastidar, Financial Advisor (Defence Services), noted the IFA system’s expansion in line with India’s growing defence needs and the increased delegation of financial authority. He stressed the importance of standardized processes, robust data systems, and strong coordination between IFAs and Controllers of Defence Accounts (CDAs). CGDA Dr. Mayank Sharma also addressed the evolving role of financial advisors and the transformative impact of Project SAMPURNA.

At the Integrated Financial Advisors (IFA) Conference 2025 held in Hampi, Karnataka, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh praised the role of IFAs in promoting transparency, accountability, and responsiveness within India’s defence financial system. The two-day event, organized by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) under the Ministry of Defence, took place from April 3–4. Singh echoed Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s vision for DAD to become a Centre of Excellence in Defence Finance and Economics. He emphasized the need for research-driven policy advice, cost-benefit analysis in procurement, and the use of AI-based financial analytics. He also highlighted key achievements, including the DAD’s 100 per cent capital budget utilization in 2024–25 — a first in five years — and the impact of Project SAMPURNA, which uses AI, machine learning, and data science to streamline procurement, payments, and accounting. The conference included six focused sessions that explored the role of financial advisors in capital acquisitions, challenges in the IFA system for Military Engineer Services, and discussions on Army Commander Special Financial Powers and outsourcing in defence operations. In his opening remarks, S.G. Dastidar, Financial Advisor (Defence Services), noted the IFA system’s expansion in line with India’s growing defence needs and the increased delegation of financial authority. He stressed the importance of standardized processes, robust data systems, and strong coordination between IFAs and Controllers of Defence Accounts (CDAs). CGDA Dr. Mayank Sharma also addressed the evolving role of financial advisors and the transformative impact of Project SAMPURNA.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Cabinet Clears Rs 15.07 Bn Greenfield Airport Project in Kota-Bundi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) proposal for the development of a Greenfield Airport at Kota-Bundi, Rajasthan, at an estimated cost of Rs 15.07 billion.Kota, located on the banks of the Chambal River, is widely recognised as the industrial capital of Rajasthan and a prominent educational coaching hub. To support the region’s growing needs, the Government of Rajasthan has handed over 440.06 hectares of land to AAI for the project.The new Greenfield Airport will be designed to handle oper..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt may extend MSME NPA classification period to 180 days

The Union government is considering a proposal to extend the non-performing asset (NPA) classification period for loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the existing 90 days to 180 days, according to a senior government official who requested anonymity.“The proposal to extend the loan default period for MSMEs from 90 days to 180 days is likely to be taken up by the Cabinet soon,” the official said.The move is expected to provide relief to cash-strapped MSMEs, especially against the backdrop of steep US tariffs, giving them more time to regularise their loan repayments.Ne..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

FedEx, IIT Madras Launch SMART Centre for Sustainable, AI-led Logistics

FedEx has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to inaugurate the SMART Centre (Supply Chain Modelling, Algorithms, Research and Technology Centre) on the institute’s campus. The facility will drive innovation in sustainable and AI-driven logistics solutions. Backed by a five-year $5 million grant from FedEx, the SMART Centre aims to combine advanced research, digital technologies, and industry expertise to transform supply chains with a focus on agility, resilience, and environmental responsibility.The centre will also spearhead interdisciplinary projects in ar..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?