By IANS
New Delhi : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating 11 cases of corruption in defence deals, parliament was informed Wednesday but no details were disclosed “in the interest of national security”.
“At present, there are six regular cases and five at the preliminary enquiry stage with CBI,” Defence Minister A.K. Antony said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
“It will not be in the interest of national security to disclose the details,” he added.
Whenever allegations of corruption in defence deals were made, these were “seriously looked into” by the defence ministry and “wherever considered necessary”, these were referred to the CBI, the minister stated.
Antony also pointed out that the government “has laid down elaborate procedures” for procuring defence equipment, in addition to which the guidelines laid down by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) “are also followed”.
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Construction of Indian Navy ships on schedule
The construction at state-owned shipyards of four categories of warships for the Indian Navy is on schedule, parliament was informed Wednesday.
The indigenously designed stealth frigates and stealth destroyers being constructed at Mumbai’s Mazagaon Docks Ltd (MDL) will be delivered on schedule in 2008-2009 and 2010-2012 respectively, Defence Minister A.K. Antony said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
The construction of six French-designed Scorpene submarines, also at MDL, and slated for delivery between 2012-2017 “is expected to be completed (on) schedule”, he added.
The construction of an Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) is “progressing” at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) with the scheduled launch of the ship in 2010.
“However, the final delivery of the ship may be delayed from the (scheduled) 2012,” the minister stated.
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Indian Navy will thwart threats from sea
The Indian Navy has an “elaborate arrangement” to thwart any security threats from the sea through regular air surveillance and maritime patrolling, parliament was informed Wednesday.
The Indian Navy, in coordination with the Coast Guard and the police forces of coastal states, “has an elaborate arrangement to thwart threats at sea,” Defence Minister A.K. Antony said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
“The measures that have been taken and planned to enhance coastal security include regular air surveillance and maritime patrolling along the coast and establishment of coastal police stations in the littoral states as part of the Coastal Security Scheme,” he added.
In addition, patrolling along India’s maritime boundary line, cooperation with India’s maritime neighbours in information sharing on ship movements and platform signature “are some of the other measures for maintaining good order at sea in the region”, the minister said.
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Seven pilots killed in MiG-21 crashes in four years
Seven Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots died in 10 accidents involving the MiG-21 fighter jet in the last four years, parliament was informed Wednesday.
“Use of aircraft in Indian Air Force is constantly reviewed based on operational requirements and other parameters like serviceability, airworthiness, technical and operational life and induction of new advanced aircraft,” Defence Minister A.K. Antony said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.