The Malabar series of exercises began as an annual bilateral naval exercise between India and the US in 1992. Japan joined the Naval Exercises in 2015. Malabar 2020 saw the participation of the Australian Navy also. The Malabar Naval exercises enhanced synergy, interoperability and coordination between the four country navies. The exercises highlight the convergence of views among the participating countries on maritime issues and their shared commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order. The 24th edition of Malabar maritime exercise, hosted by Indian Navy in 2020, witnessed the participation by Indian Navy, United States Navy, Japan Maritime Self Defence Force and Royal Australian Navy. The following information was tabled in a written reply by MoS defence Shripad Naik to a question asked by Mr. K Somaprasad in Rajya Sabha on Monday.
Policy of disinvestment of minority stake without transfer of management control is being followed for priority sector including defence CPSUs to unlock value, promote public ownership, to meet the minimum public shareholding norms of SEBI and for ensuring higher degree of accountability. For non-priority sector where competitive markets have come of age, the policy of strategic disinvestment is followed. This information was tabled in a written reply by MoS Defence Shripad Naik to a question asked by K.K. Ragesh in Rajya Sabha.
Note: GDP figures from FY 2017-18 to 2019-20 are as per Economic Survey 2020-21(Vol-2)- (Table 0.1 : Key Indicators). Figures for 2020-21 (RE) are as per Budget at a Glance (2021-22)
BE = Budget Estimates, RE = Revised Estimates, PE= Provisional Estimates
It may be seen from above data that Defence Budget as well as Defence Expenditure is increasing, implying higher spending. There is no lack of proper protective clothing for defence personnel. The items are being procured on regular basis as per requirement of troops and accruing entitlement year on year is being met. This information was tabled in a written reply by Raksha Rajya Mantri Mr. Shripad Naik to a question asked by Mr. Syed Nasir Hussain in Rajya Sabha.
* Excluding Medical and Dental personnel.
# Figures are in respect of Women officers only as women are inducted at officer level presently.
There has been an increase in the number of women personnel in the armed forces (excluding Medical, Dental and Nursing cadres) during the year 2020 compared to the figures in the year 2019. In addition to the provision of Permanent Commission to Women Officers in Judge Advocate General and Army Education Corps, the Government of India has recently announced grant of Permanent Commission to Women Officers in all other Arms/ Services in which they are eligible for commission. Further, the Government of India has sanctioned 1700 women in Military Police Corps in a phased manner. The Indian Air Force (IAF) undertakes various induction publicity measures to encourage youth including women to join IAF. Modules like direct contact programme, print and electronic media is extensively used to create awareness about IAF and educate students about various mode of entries. Women are employed as officers in Indian Navy since 1992 wherein only three avenues were available to Women viz. Law, Education and Logistics. However, over a period of time, number of other avenues has been opened for Women induction as follows:
This information was tabled in a written reply by MoS Defence Shripad Naik to a question asked by Dr Fauzia Khan in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.