Tatra deal: Case against defence ministry, army officials

The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case against the owners of a UK-based company and officials of defence ministry and army to inquire into alleged irregularities committed in procurement of Tatra trucks for the Indian Army, government told the Lok Sabha.

"The matter is under investigation by CBI. It has also registered a regular case against one of the owners and unknown persons of a UK-based company, unknown officials of a DPSU and unknown officers of Defence Ministry and Indian Army," Defence Minister A K Antony said in a written reply.

The defence ministry had purchased 6477 Tatra trucks between 1987-1988 to 2010-2011.

In reply to a question on action against officials found guilty for corruption, he said, "Whenever a complaint is received from CBI, Central Vigilance Commission, other departments and general public etc, it is examined in the ministry and if necessary, advice of CVC is sought on initiation of disciplinary proceedings."

Replying to a question on import of defence equipment, the minister said, "Defence equipments have been imported from various countries including Russia, USA, Israel, France,

United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Singapore etc. The imports cover various types of weapon system and platforms."

Antony also told the House that for 2012-13, Rs 67,672.24 crore has been allocated to the armed forces for capital acquisition.

Antony also denied any proposal to link the Army Hospitals with the private ones. Antony was asked "whether it is proposed to link Army hospitals with private hospitals to provide efficient service to defence personnel."

On demands of One Rank One Pension by the ex-servicemen, he said, "government has constituted a committee in July 2012, headed by cabinet secretary for looking into pay and pension related issues of relevance to Defence service personnel and ex-servicemen."

On lateral induction of defence personnel in para-military forces, Central Police Organisation and other organiations, he said, "The issue has been deliberated at various levels and by different committees. However, no common view could be evolved on the issue in view of complexities involved."

So far as induction of ex-servicemen in CPMF etc is concerned, provision already exists for the same, he said.