Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate the pivotal ‘Controllers’ Conference 2025’ on Monday, hosted by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD) at DRDO Bhawan in Delhi. This three-day conclave, scheduled from July 7 to 9, is designed to address critical challenges within the defence sector, drive institutional reforms, and enhance financial governance as part of India’s broader defence preparedness strategy.
The inaugural session will feature a lineup of high-ranking officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the chiefs of the three armed services, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) S G Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Mayank Sharma. Their collective expertise will be instrumental in steering the future direction of India’s defence financial ecosystem.
The theme for this year’s conference, ‘Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics,’ represents a significant evolution in the DAD’s role. It emphasizes a transition from being a traditional finance and accounts body to a modern, agile institution that aligns closely with national security objectives.
Throughout the conclave, participants will engage in eight high-level business sessions, referred to as ‘Manan Satras.’ These sessions will delve into a range of issues, including budget reforms, internal audit restructuring, collaborative research, procurement pricing, and capacity building for Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs). The focus will be on enabling a competitive and self-reliant defence industry that can meet contemporary challenges.
A new mission statement and motto for the DAD—‘Alert, Agile, Adaptive’—will also be officially unveiled. This initiative aims to reinforce the department’s commitment to accountability and innovation in the context of defence finances.
With a defence budget of ₹26.8 lakh crore, which includes ₹1.7 lakh crore for pensions, the DAD plays a crucial role in payroll management, pension disbursement, auditing, and providing strategic financial advice. Since the last conference, the department has conducted 206 outreach programmes and established over 200 service centres to enhance stakeholder engagement and improve last-mile delivery of services.
Moreover, the DAD aims to modernize its audit capabilities through advanced Management Information Systems (MIS), facilitating early risk detection, benchmarking, and decision support necessary for efficient financial management.
As the Ministry of Defence designates 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms,’ the outcomes of the conference are anticipated to be impactful, further strengthening India’s defence financial framework. The discussions will seek to establish a resilient fiscal foundation for the country’s long-term security strategies while promoting the principle of Atmanirbhar Bharat and enhancing governance through streamlined financial systems.
