AJT acquisition not to be held up for lack of funds: FM

Finance Minister Jaswant Singh on Friday assured the nation that acquisition of Advance Jet Trainer aircraft would not be held up for lack of funds.

The final decision on the procurement of AJT for the Indian Air Force would be taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security, Singh told reporters while returning from Barmer after inaugurating a polyclinic there under the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme.

When pointed out that Defence Minister George Fernandes had already stated that the proposal had been sent to the finance ministry, Singh said he was not aware of it. ''But I assure that lack of funds won't come in the way of procurement.'' The need for acqusition of AJT has been accentuated by frequent crashes involving MIG Aircraft.

India had been negotiating with Britain for the purchase of AJTs.

The deal had almost been finalised when the Czech Republic and Russia also joined the race, making it difficult for the Indian government to take a decision.

UNI