Hyderabad: In a first, allocations to the defence sector crossed the Rs 3 lakh crore barrier. “Allocation to the sector was increased by Rs 20,000 crore. More funds will be doled out for the Border Security Force,” interim Union finance minister Piyush Goyal said while presenting the interim Budget. The BJP also made veterans happy by allocating Rs 35,000 crore towards one rank, one pension.
While forecasting the defence budget, Mr Goyal slipped into a lighter note and made a mention of Uri: The Surgical Strikemovie. It’s catchy phrase “How’s the Josh” made its debut in Parliament when Mr Goyal said he had watched the movie in a theatre and liked it. “I had the opportunity to watch the movie, Kya josh tha, Kya mahaul tha (What spirits, what atmosphere),” he said.
He then said that the soldiers protecting India’s borders in tough terrain must be taken care of. “The BSF may receive additional funds, if needed,” he said.
On the step towards allocating funds for One rank One pension, Mr Goyal attacked the Opposition, saying: “The previous government only made a mention of OROP.”
in their budget, but sanctioned Rs 500 crore in 2014-15. Against this, the NDA has already dispersed Rs 35,000 crore.”
In an earlier announcement, he said there will be a substantial hike in military service pay of all services personnel and special allowance will be given to navy and air personnel deployed in high-risk areas.
