Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that the devolved powers given to the Services Chiefs should be fully utilised for achieving their capabilities. <br/><br/>The Minister said the Air Force alongwith Ordnance Factory Board and DRDO should make an assessment about indigenisation under 'Make-in-India' programme. <br/><br/>Inaugurating the bi-annual IAF Commanders' Conference in New Delhi Tuesday morning, she said the budgetary allocations should not be viewed as a constraint and should be looked at to acquire what is absolutely necessary. <br/><br/>She said the government is committed to fill the gaps which have arisen due to lack of timely decision making in the last decade.<br/><br/>The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa briefed the Defence Minister on the current status of the IAF and the efforts that have been made in the recent past. <br/><br/>He emphasised the need for continuous effort and training to maintain IAF's cutting edge. He also reiterated the IAF's role as the first responder in most contingencies and the need to sustain the ongoing process of capability enhancement making use of the Government's thrust on 'Make-in-India' initiative.<br/><br/>The Commanders' conference will be conducted over next three days till 12th of this month wherein discussions will take place on various subjects that will decide the future trajectory of the Indian Air Force including operations, maintenance issues and various administrative initiatives. <br/><br/>In consonance with Government's 'Digital India' initiative two mobile Apps for Air Force Cellular Network (AFCEL) phones called 'MEDWATCH' and 'AFCHAT' will be released during the Conference. <br/><br/>Various other initiatives like Online Testing and Evaluation and Online Entrance Examination to further the initiative will be covered. <br/><br/>The new look Air Force Central Accounts Office (AFCAO) website with enhanced features will also be launched. A book titled 'Aero India- Ascent through the ages' is also scheduled to be released during the conference.