Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Launch Controllers’ Conference 2025 in Delhi on July 7
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to inaugurate the 'Controllers’ Conference 2025' on Monday. This significant three-day event, organized by the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), will be held at DRDO Bhawan in Delhi from July 7 to 9. The conference aims to tackle major challenges, implement institutional reforms, and strengthen the financial governance role in India's defence readiness.
The opening session will feature Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, the three service chiefs, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Financial Adviser (Defence Services) S G Dastidar, and Controller General of Defence Accounts Mayank Sharma. Their participation will be crucial in determining the future direction of India's defence financial framework.
This year's conference theme, 'Transforming Financial Advice, Payment, Audit and Accounting through Defence Finance and Economics,' signifies a strategic evolution in the DAD’s responsibilities, shifting from traditional finance and accounts to a modern, forward-thinking institution focused on national security objectives.
The event will include eight high-level business sessions, known as 'Manan Satras,' which will address varied topics such as budget reforms, internal audit restructuring, collaborative research, procurement pricing, and capacity building. These discussions will also highlight the changing role of Integrated Financial Advisors (IFAs) in fostering a competitive and self-reliant defence sector.
During the conference, the DAD will unveil a new mission statement and motto, 'Alert, Agile, Adaptive,' underscoring the department’s renewed commitment to accountability and innovation.
With a defence budget of ₹26.8 lakh crore, including ₹1.7 lakh crore for pensions, the DAD is pivotal in managing payroll, pension disbursement, audits, and strategic financial advisories. Since the previous conference, the department has conducted 206 outreach initiatives and established over 200 service centers to enhance stakeholder interaction and service delivery.
The DAD is transforming its audit capabilities into advanced Management Information Systems (MIS), which will aid in early risk detection, benchmarking, and providing decision support.
As the Ministry of Defence designates 2025 as the 'Year of Reforms,' the conference is anticipated to produce actionable insights that will strengthen India’s defence financial structure. The discussions aim to bolster India's long-term security strategy, support Atmanirbhar Bharat, and improve governance through streamlined processes.
