Strengthening Fiscal Prudence: Defence Financial Experts to Convene in Hampi
Defence Accounts Department organizes a high-level financial conference to enhance fiscal strategies.
BNH NETWORK
Key defence financial advisors from across India to discuss budget management, acquisitions, and efficiency.
Bengaluru - The Defence Accounts Department (DAD), under the leadership of Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA), Dr. Mayank Sharma, IDAS, is set to host the All India Integrated Financial Advisors (IFA) Conference in Hampi from April 3 to April 4, 2025. The conference will be inaugurated by Financial Advisor (Defence Services), Shri S.G. Dastidar, IDAS, while Defence Secretary, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, will preside over the valedictory session as the Chief Guest.
A Legacy of Financial Excellence
With a history spanning over 275 years, the Defence Accounts Department plays a crucial role in managing the financial operations of India’s defence sector. This year, the department is responsible for handling a defence budget of ₹ 6,81,210.27 crore, making up 13.45% of the Union Budget, the highest among all ministries. Given this massive financial responsibility, the role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) has become increasingly critical.
Evolution of the IFA System
The Integrated Financial Advisor System was introduced in the Ministry of Defence in 1983 and expanded to the Services in 1994, embedding financial advisory functions within the Armed Forces’ decision-making framework. Today, there are 196 IFAs stationed across the country, ensuring financial prudence and accountability in defence expenditures.
Objectives & Key Discussion Points
The two-day conference aims to facilitate regular functional interaction among PIFAs (Principal Integrated Financial Advisors) and IFAs and establish a unified approach to defence financial management. It will include six dedicated business sessions, covering:
- Finance’s Role in Capital Acquisition Outcomes
- IFA System in Military Engineering Services (MES)
- Army Commander Special Financial Powers (ACSFP)
- Operational and Logistics Requirements of IFA Offices
- Outsourcing Strategies in Defence Services
- Role of IFAs in Project Management
Each session will feature presentations, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions to facilitate meaningful dialogue and actionable insights.
Participation & Impact
The conference will see the participation of IFAs serving various defence establishments, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Canteen Stores Department (CSD), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and MES. The platform will allow these experts to share challenges, suggest improvements, and align strategies to achieve financial efficiency and accountability.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 IFA Conference in Hampi marks a crucial step in streamlining and strengthening financial decision-making in India’s defence sector. By fostering collaboration among financial experts, the event is expected to enhance fiscal discipline, transparency, and efficiency in managing India’s massive defence budget.
