Arun Jaitley announces Rs 2.74 lakh crore for defence

In order to reduce the grievances of defence pensioners, Jaitley announced creation of web based interactive pension distribution system.

New Delhi, Feb 1: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday announced an allocation of Rs 2,74,114 crore for defence, excluding pensions.

"For defence expenditure excluding pensions, I have provided a sum of Rs 2,74,114 crore including Rs 86,488 crore for defence capital," Jaitley said delivering his Budget speech for financial year 2017-18.

To reduce the grievances of defence pensioners, Jaitley announced creation of web based interactive pension distribution system for defence pensioners, and said, "This system will receive pension proposals and make payment centrally. This will reduce the grievance of the defence pensioners."

To end the hassle of booking railway tickets for service personnel, Jaitley announced an online tickets booking system, and said, "They do not have to face the hassle of standing in the queues with the railway warrant."

IANS