LOK SABHA
Prior to the publication
of a news item on Sep 06, 2002, a pseudonymous complaint alleging
irregularities in the procurement of information technology stores
and 500 digital cameras by the Army Headquarters was received
in the Ministry in July 2002. In order to ascertain the facts
of the case, a court of inquiry had been ordered by the Army Headquarter
to look into all major purchases of IT systems. The said inquiry
is still in progress. The irregularities, if any, and the person
responsible therein, will be known only on completion of the inquiry.
The question of referring the matter for investigation by CBI
or any other agency shall be considered on the basis of the outcome
of the inquiry.
Besides others,
the following important steps have been taken to bring transparency
in defence purchases:
- Government have issued orders,
in consultation with the CVC & C&AG for mandatory
and time-bound scrutiny of all major procurements/purchase
decisions, involving cost of above Rs. 75 crores, by C&AG
and where necessary by the CVC.
- Defence Procurement Board consisting
of senior officers of the Ministry, three services and the
Defence Finance Wing has been set up to handle major Defence
purchases in a professional, transparent and cost effective
manner.
- In order to make the Defence
procurement procedures fully transparent and to ensure probity
of the highest order, the Government after careful consideration
of the recommendation of the CVC, have issued instruction
for involvement of authorized representatives/agents in Defence
purchases. This would enhance transparency level and provide
the service headquarters, additional information about latest
advances in sophisticated technology.
This information
was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written
reply to Col (retd) Sona Ram Choudhary and others in Lok Sabha
today.
