Defence services were at a standstill: Fernandes

NEW DELHI, NOV. 4. The Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, today said that after his reinduction into the ministry three weeks ago, he was startled to find that decision making in the three services had almost been ``paralysed''.

Mr. Fernandes said he was not making any personal attack but added that during the past seven months the Army had only spent 15 per cent of its budgetary allocation for armament purchases while the same was 29-30 per cent in the Air Force and the Navy. He said he had instructed speeding up of all procurement processes. He was taking part in a live chat show on Doordarshan.

Referring to Saturday's Defence Ministry announcement to allow multinational armament companies to have agents in India, Mr. Fernandes said despite a ban in the aftermath of the Bofors scandal, the country in the last 12 years has been unable to get rid of agents and middlemen in armament purchases. A new mechanism to govern the operations of these agents had come on the recommendation of the Central Vigilance Commission.

The Government's efforts were to ensure that country's defence plans did not suffer as a result of recent spate of allegations, particularly after the Tehelka expose.

At the present juncture India should not think of war and instead pursue other means.

Peace negotiations were underway with various Naga groups which helped check militancy in Nagaland. On the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Defence Minister denied that there was ``infighting or squabbles'' on the issue amongst the three services.

- PTI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : India to ask U.S. to lift ban on sale of arms
Next     : No going back on POTO: Venkaiah