CVC told to probe major defence deals

By Atul Aneja

NEW DELHI, FEB. 5. The Government today directed the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to probe into allegations of the involvement of middlemen in all ``identified major defence purchases since 1985-86.''

The probe to be conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation was ordered by the Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes. The inquiry was ordered in the light of the decision taken by the Rajiv Gandhi Government in 1985-86 to ban middlemen in defence deals after the Bofors pay-off scandal.

The major defence deals which are likely to be scrutinised include the purchase of the MiG-29s, the Su-30 planes for the Indian Air Force and weapon stockpiles for the Army, Navy and the IAF from Russia.

According to the Defence Ministry spokesman, a ``standard mechanism for a mandatory and time-bound scrutiny by the CVC and the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)'' would now be in place for all future defence deals.

The CAG has also been asked to investigate all major procurement decisions involving transfer of technology aspects during the last 15 years. Besides, the CAG has been asked to conduct a special audit for emergency purchases of items required for the Kargil operations. The purchases of spares in the last 15 years will also now be thoroughly investigated by the CAG.

A special group has been set up in the Ministry at the level of joint secretary to scrutinise all important observations and findings of the CAG in the last 15 years and to fix responsibility of lapses, delays and corrupt practices.

The move is apparently timed to pave the way for the forthcoming purchases of weaponry including the Advanced jet trainers (AJTs) for the IAF, the `Admiral Gorshkov' aircraft carrier for the Navy and around 300 T-90 tanks for the Army.

The spokesman pointed out that the mechanism was established to ensure transparency in defence purchases and to ``get to the bottom'' of the allegations of the involvement of middlemen and kickbacks which have appeared in the media and Parliament.

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