Rule 146 of The General Financial Rules 2017 Procurement of Goods Military Operations
Original Rule Text
Visual Summary
Regulates procurement during military operations.
Goods for mobilisation or ongoing military ops.
Governed by specific government orders.
Executive Summary
Rule 146 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, outlines the specific regulatory framework for the procurement of goods essential for military operations, whether during initial mobilisation or throughout ongoing activities. This rule mandates that such procurements are to be governed by special rules and orders issued by the Government, ensuring that critical supplies for defence purposes are acquired efficiently and in accordance with specific governmental directives.
In-Depth Analysis of the Rule
Rule 146 addresses a critical aspect of national security and defence logistics: the procurement of goods for military purposes. Unlike general procurement, which follows broader guidelines, this rule carves out a special category for military-related acquisitions, acknowledging their unique urgency, strategic importance, and often sensitive nature.
Breakdown of the Rule
- Scope of Goods: The rule specifically covers “goods required on mobilisation and/or during the continuance of Military operations.” This broad definition ensures that all necessary supplies, from initial deployment to sustained combat or support activities, are included.
- Regulatory Mechanism: Instead of adhering to the standard procurement rules outlined in other chapters, these specific procurements “shall be regulated by special rules and orders issued by the Government on this behalf from time to time.” This allows for flexibility and responsiveness to the dynamic requirements of military operations.
- Government Authority: The emphasis on “special rules and orders issued by the Government” highlights the executive’s direct control and discretion in managing these critical procurements, often involving classified information, rapid decision-making, and specialized suppliers.
Practical Example
Consider a scenario where a sudden border conflict necessitates rapid deployment of troops and equipment. Under Rule 146 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, the Ministry of Defence would not be bound by the standard, potentially lengthy, tender processes for acquiring specialized ammunition, night-vision goggles, or emergency medical supplies. Instead, they would follow pre-approved “special rules and orders” designed for such urgent military procurements, allowing for expedited acquisition from designated or pre-qualified suppliers to meet immediate operational needs. This ensures national security is not compromised by bureaucratic delays.
Related Provisions
While Rule 146 sets out a specific framework for military procurements, it operates within the broader context of the General Financial Rules, 2017. Other rules provide the general principles from which this specific rule deviates:
- Rule 142 of The General Financial Rules, 2017: Procurement of Goods General Rules – This rule introduces the general framework for procurement of goods, from which Rule 146 deviates for specific military needs.
- Rule 144 of The General Financial Rules, 2017: Fundamental Principles of Public Buying – Lays down the core principles of efficiency, economy, and transparency that generally guide all public procurement, which Rule 146 adapts for military contexts.
- Rule 145 of The General Financial Rules, 2017: Authorities Competent to Purchase Goods – Defines the authorities empowered to sanction purchases, a power that would be exercised under the special rules for military procurements.
Learning Aids
Mnemonics
- Military Operations Special Rules: Remember “MOSR” for Military Operations, Special Rules.
Process Flowchart
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What type of goods does Rule 146 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, primarily regulate?
- A) Office stationery for daily use
- B) Goods for military operations
- C) Construction materials for public works
- D) Agricultural products for government canteens
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B) Goods for military operations
2. According to Rule 146 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, how are procurements for military operations regulated?
- A) By standard tender processes only
- B) By special rules and orders issued by the Government
- C) By international procurement guidelines
- D) By the Ministry of Finance’s general guidelines
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B) By special rules and orders issued by the Government
3. Rule 146 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, applies to goods required during which phases of military activity?
- A) Only during peacetime exercises
- B) Only during initial mobilisation
- C) During mobilisation and/or continuance of military operations
- D) Only for post-conflict reconstruction
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C) During mobilisation and/or continuance of military operations
4. Who issues the “special rules and orders” mentioned in Rule 146 of The General Financial Rules, 2017?
- A) The Comptroller and Auditor General
- B) The Parliament
- C) The Government
- D) The Supreme Court
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C) The Government
5. The primary reason for having special rules for procurement under Rule 146 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, is to:
- A) Reduce overall government expenditure
- B) Ensure transparency in all defence deals
- C) Allow for flexibility and responsiveness in critical military acquisitions
- D) Promote local manufacturers exclusively
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C) Allow for flexibility and responsiveness in critical military acquisitions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Rule 146 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, require special rules for military procurement?
Special rules are necessary due to the urgent, strategic, and often sensitive nature of military procurements, which cannot always adhere to standard, potentially time-consuming, general procurement procedures.
Does Rule 146 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, cover all types of goods for military use?
Yes, it covers “goods required on mobilisation and/or during the continuance of Military operations,” implying a broad scope for essential supplies during these critical periods.
Are the special rules for military procurement under Rule 146 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, publicly accessible?
The rule states they are “special rules and orders issued by the Government.” While general principles might be public, specific details for sensitive procurements may be classified for national security reasons.
Key Takeaways
- Rule 146 specifically governs the procurement of goods for military operations and mobilisation.
- These procurements are regulated by special government rules and orders, not general procurement procedures.
- The rule acknowledges the unique requirements and urgency associated with defence-related acquisitions.
- It ensures that critical supplies for national security are acquired through an adapted, responsive framework.
Conclusion
Rule 146 of The General Financial Rules, 2017, is a vital provision that underscores the government’s commitment to national security by establishing a distinct and flexible framework for military procurements. By allowing for special rules and orders, it ensures that the acquisition of essential goods during mobilisation and ongoing military operations can be conducted with the necessary speed and strategic considerations, thereby safeguarding the nation’s defence capabilities.