The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today called upon the top brass of the Army and Air Force not to succumb to corrupt practices indulged by vested interests in the garb of ‘aggressive marketing’. Addressing the Commanders of the two Forces separately here, Shri Antony asked them to strive for probity and fair play in their day to day dealings.
“Time and cost overruns apart, there is always the danger of falling prey to corrupt practices perpetrated by vested interests in the garb of aggressive marketing. I strongly urge you all to stand guard with resolve against any such overtures. You must strive to uphold sincerity, probity and fair play, even in your day to day administrative work”, Shri Antony told Army Commanders.
Giving a bird’s eye view of global security scenario, Shri Antony said political disturbances in West Asia and North Africa have forced fresh challenges for global security. Any adverse developments will without doubt have a far reaching effect on the energy security and overall security of the nations across the world.
Shri Antony said that the government remains fully committed to the modernization of the Armed Forces and upgrading of infrastructure. He said, for far too long, we have remained over dependent on foreign equipment. Saying ‘”no nation will ever part with its first generation equipment”, he observed that modernization and indigenization must proceed apiece. “If our efforts to achieve self-reliance are to assume greater relevance, our soldiers, scientists and the defence industry must regularly consult each other – at every stage of designing, manufacturing and production of equipment to minimize procedural delays and understand each other’s requirements.“
Speaking to the Air Force Commanders earlier in the morning, Shri Antony said :
“At times, vested interests bring about unnecessary pressure and resort to corrupt practices that can wreak serious havoc upon our security in more ways than one. We must resist such efforts collectively and resolutely in National interests. Even though I have full faith in your capacity and ability to uphold our security interests, I strongly urge you to remain vigilant, cautious and alert to any wrongdoing at all times. “
Referring to flight safety, the Defence Minister urged the Air Force top brass to ensure that the Standard Operating Procedures are followed diligently at all times. He said, the possibility of human error must be minimized and if possible, eliminated. Shri Antony complimented the Air Force for their commendable work in providing humanitarian assistance both home and abroad. He recalled the yeoman’s service rendered by the Air Force in the aftermath of the flash floods in Leh last August.
The Defence Minister complimented both the Services for their contribution in ensuring that the entire allocated amount for capital expenditure in the defence budget was spent for the first time in the last financial year. He said, this must become a normal trend from now on. Shri Antony, however, urged the commanders that there should not be any wasteful expenditure and concerted efforts must be made to reduce revenue expenditure.
Indian Press Information Bureau
