Lt Gen Ulhas Kirpekar, Director General, Financial Planning, addressed participants of Higher Defence Management Course-22 (HDMC-22) at the College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, on the subject of budget planning and monitoring at the apex level.
The session provided participants with a detailed perspective on the financial planning processes that support India’s defence preparedness. Building upon concepts covered as part of the HDMC curriculum, Lt Gen Kirpekar explained the practical considerations involved in translating defence requirements into financial plans and resource allocations.
The address focused on the Army’s broader financial roadmap, including the considerations behind capital and revenue allocations. Participants were given insights into the strategic choices and assessments involved in determining priorities for major defence expenditure.
Lt Gen Kirpekar also highlighted the importance of effective monitoring and judicious utilisation of financial resources. The session underlined how financial planning is closely linked with capability development, operational preparedness and the long-term modernisation requirements of the Armed Forces.
The interaction enabled the HDMC-22 participants to gain a closer understanding of the financial decision-making that underpins defence planning. It also highlighted the importance of balancing immediate operational requirements with long-term capability enhancement and modernisation priorities.
The session at CDM reinforced the institution’s role in preparing senior officers and defence professionals to understand the broader dimensions of strategic management and national security, including the financial framework essential for sustaining India’s defence capabilities.
