Defence Accounts must set example for others in services:Antony

New Delhi, Jun 25 (UNI) Defence Minister A K Antony today said as internal financial advisers to the forces, the Defence Accounts Department must undertake greater responsibilities and set an example for others in the three services to follow.

Speaking after laying the foundation of a new Controller General of Accounts office here, he called for optimal utilisation of resources for revenue and capital spending to ensure the best value for money for the defence forces.

To achieve this goal, timely and cost effective investments and purchase decisions must be made, and ''correct'' payments made for stores and services, Mr Antony said.

''You must ensure that every paisa is spent judiciously.'' Emphasising the role of internal audit, the defence minister said the best international practices of internal audit must be studied, analysed and imbibed by the department.

''A major challenge for you all is to explore auditing through computers and to the maximum extent possible, not rely on paperwork.'' He was of the view that the department should achieve cent per cent computer literacy within a fixed timeframe.

''Your mandate to render transparent, prompt and efficient pensionary services to nearly 21.59 lakh ex-servicemen and other retired defence personnel is a major challenge facing you,'' Mr Antony said.

He asked the Defence Accounts Department to exhibit a high degree of responsiveness for the prompt redressal of grievances of its customers and ensure that the complaint redressal mechanism functions optimally.

The minister also called for adequate attention to optimise human resource development to enhance all-round performance.

''Though financial resources are no doubt important in a department like yours, in the ultimate analysis the quality of human resource is the most crucial factor.'' The proposed complex, spread over 6.00 acres, had been designed as a state-of-the-art building with perfect blend of aesthetics and architectural features.

The disabled-friendly building would conform to the latest Building Safety codes, environment regulations and comply with seismic zone IV requirements.

The project was to be carried out through the DRDO with a completion period of 24 months.

Secretary Defence Finance V K Mishra and Controller General of Defence Accounts Jnan Prakash were present on the occasion.

UNI