Army Chief General J J Singh made it clear on Wednesday that defence procurements were transparent and there were no shortcuts involved in the process.
Asked whether 'scams' in the process of arms procurement slow down the modernisation of Armed forces, he said, "The process of arms procurement is being done as per rules. The government is doing it in a fair and transparent manner, and there are no shortcuts involved. The government is being supportive in the modernisation process."
Singh was speaking on the sidelines of the reception hosted by him for this year's gallantry award winners.
He said the army would favour enrolment of wives of martyrs in the armed forces if they were eligible. "First priority would always be given to the son of the deceased. If the wife is educationally qualified and would like to join the force, we would favour them being enrolled and getting them commissioned," he said.
"In the Army, ladies are enrolled only into the officer's category. We are ready to get them in if they favour and are eligible," he added.
President A P J Abdul Kalam would confer nine Param Vishist Seva Medals, one Kirti Chakra (Posthumous), 17 Ati Vishist Seva Medals and 14 Shaurya Chakras (5 Posthumous) to Army personnel at the Defence investiture ceremony on Thursday.
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