Rajnath Singh Praises Defence Accounts Dept for Fiscal Prudence and Transparency

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) on Wednesday for its pivotal, behind-the-scenes contributions to the success of Operation Sindoor, emphasizing the organization's role in upholding fiscal prudence, transparency, and military readiness. Speaking at an event marking the DAD's 278th foundation day, Singh highlighted how the department's efficient financial management ensured seamless resource allocation during the high-stakes military campaign launched in May 2025.

Operation Sindoor, a four-day cross-border operation initiated on May 7, 2025, in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, involved precision missile and airstrikes on nine alleged terror sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Punjab province. India targeted infrastructure linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, resulting in over 100 militant casualties and a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on May 10. While global attention focused on the armed forces' valor, Singh credited the DAD with enabling this "historic and decisive victory" through optimized resource utilization and war preparedness.

"The DAD is not just an accounting organization; it is an enabler that ensures the smooth functioning of the nation's economic cycle. It is the invisible bridge that connects finance and the armed forces. Behind the valour of our soldiers lies your silent but decisive contribution," Singh stated. He described the department as the financial backbone of India's military, fostering operational readiness by guaranteeing timely fund availability and maintaining accountability in expenditures.

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Singh stressed that finance serves as the "lifeblood of governance," with a nation's strength mirrored in its fiscal foundation. He noted that a steady financial flow is vital for both national administration and defense operations. Praising the DAD's performance, the minister revealed that as of September 30, 2025, 50% of the capital budget expenditure had already been booked, building on the department's achievement of 100% utilization in the previous fiscal year. Singh expressed confidence in sustained momentum, urging continued excellence to support India's evolving security needs.

Established in 1747 during the British era, the DAD has evolved into a cornerstone of India's defense ecosystem, managing billions in annual budgets with a focus on audit, accounting, and compliance. Singh's address underscores the government's emphasis on integrating financial discipline with strategic imperatives, especially amid ongoing regional tensions. As India bolsters its military modernization, the DAD's role remains indispensable in bridging economic efficiency and national security.

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