NEW DELHI, Aug 5: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General N. S. Raja Subramani and other senior military officials appeared before a key Parliamentary committee on Wednesday as lawmakers reviewed issues related to the execution of Military Engineering Service (MES) contracts.
The meeting was held by the Defence Sub-Committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is examining findings contained in a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) concerning the implementation and management of MES projects.
During the proceedings, the Department of Military Affairs presented its observations and provided clarifications on the execution of the contracts, responding to queries raised by committee members regarding project management, compliance and financial procedures.
The review forms part of the PAC’s constitutional responsibility to scrutinise government expenditure and ensure that public funds are utilised efficiently, transparently and in accordance with established rules. The committee regularly examines CAG audit reports to identify gaps in financial management and recommend corrective measures where required.
The Military Engineering Service is responsible for planning, constructing and maintaining critical infrastructure for the Armed Forces, including operational facilities, residential complexes, roads, airfields and other defence establishments across the country. Given the scale of its projects, parliamentary oversight is considered an important mechanism for improving efficiency and strengthening accountability.
Officials said the committee’s deliberations focused on understanding the implementation of audited projects and assessing whether existing procedures adequately address concerns highlighted in the CAG report. The discussions are expected to contribute to recommendations aimed at enhancing transparency, project execution and financial discipline in defence infrastructure works.
