Coronavirus
Representative image.

The defence ministry has granted emergency financial powers to Army commanders, corps commanders as well as division or sub-area commanders.

This has been granted to expedite procurement related to establishing and running quarantine facilities in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

This has been done with an aim to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Accordingly, the army commanders will now have the full financial powers, while corps commanders or area commanders can spend Rs 50 lakh, and division commanders or sub-area commanders can spend Rs 20 lakh on work related to setting up of quarantine facilities in their respective jurisdiction.

This was mentioned in a letter addressed to Army chief General MM Naravane.

The finances would include augmenting the isolation facilities with items, materials, equipment, stores, ration, hygiene chemicals, among others.

This will also include the provision of other services needed for effective handling of coronavirus outbreak.

The defence ministry in the letter said that the powers have been delegated for a period of three months starting from Friday.

This, however, can be revised or extended it required.