According to a notice that was briefly put up by the accounts division on its website on Monday, the Indian Army is running short of funds and has put on hold temporary allowances, paid to officers when they travel for purposes such as tours and trainings. However, the notice was soon pulled down, and officials in the army, who asked not to be named, said such posts were “uncalled for” and painted a “poor picture.”
“Due to insufficient funds available under Temporary duty and Permanent Duty Heads of Army officers, no TA/DA advances and claims can be processed till receipt of sufficient funds under the relevant heads. However, the facility for Leave Travel Concession will continue”, said the post put up by the Principal Comptroller of Defence Accounts (PCDA), Pune which is the agency that disburses salaries and emoluments to officers.
“Sensitive issues like operational plans, deployments cannot always be discussed on the phone and officers are called to formation headquarters including Army Headquarters... ,” a senior officer who did not want to be named, said explaining why officers need to move frequently.
“This year about Rs 3200 crore has been spent”, a second senior officer, who didn’t want to be named, said. “An additional amount – of about Rs 800 crore - has been allocated to tide over the crisis”, he said.
The Ministry of Defence played down the issue. A spokesperson said “at times, funds allotted (based on estimated expenditure) to specific heads fall short of the actual expenditure. The shortfalls are only temporary and are resolved routinely through re-appropriations. Adequate funds are provided under all heads including Temporary and Permanent Duty heads.”