Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh lauded the role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFA) as crucial enablers of transparency, accountability and responsiveness in defence financial system, while addressing a two day Integrated Financial Advisors Conference 2025, organised by Defence Accounts Department (DAD), Ministry of Defence (MoD), from April 03-04, 2025, in Hampi, Karnataka. He highlighted Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh’s directive for DAD to become a Centre of Excellence in Defence Finance & Economics, calling for research-based policy inputs, cost-benefit analysis in procurement, and AI-driven financial analytics.  

The Defence Secretary emphasized strengthening outcome-oriented mechanisms, promoting emerging technologies, and foster collaboration across the departments to enhance operational efficiency. He noted that DAD achieved 100% capital budget utilization in 2024–25, which was a first in the last five years. He also highlighted the importance of Project SAMPURNA (System Automation for Procurement, Payment and Uniform Raksha Accounting), which integrates AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science into financial management ushering in a new era of automation and efficiency.

The conference featured six focused business sessions under which the role of financial advisors was highlighted to enhance capital acquisition outcomes, multifaceted challenges confronting the recently implemented IFA system in Military Engineer Services and the prospective pathways for their resolution, complexities associated with the Army Commander Special Financial Powers & merits and potential challenges of outsourcing in the defence sector.

Shri S.G. Dastidar, Financial Advisor (Defence Services), in his inaugural address highlighted the expansion of the IFA system amid growing defence capabilities and greater delegation of financial powers to Service Headquarters and lower levels. Emphasizing Aatmanirbharta, he called for standardized procedures, better data systems, and stronger coordination between IFAs and CDAs to enhance financial efficiency. Dr. Mayank Sharma, CGDA, talked about the changing role of financial advisors and highlighted Project SAMPURNA.

Senior officials from the MoD and DAD, along with Principal Integrated Financial Advisors and Integrated Financial Advisors from across the country, participated in the conference.

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