Will the Minister of DEFENCEbe pleased to state :- (a) whether Government proposes to seal a deal of 11 billion dollars to purchase new fighter jets; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) what measures have been taken considering previous scams in such deals to ensure that the amount will be spent for quality equipment and there is no scope for fraud?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY) (a) & (b): The proposal for procurement of 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at an estimated cost of $ 10.4 billion is being progressed as per the provisions of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). In response to the Request For Proposal, responses were received from six vendors which are being evaluated. (c) The capital procurement for IAF is being done as per the provisions of the DPP, which ensures transparency, probity and accountability.
Will the Minister of DEFENCEbe pleased to state :- (a) what action is taken by the Ministry to secure the properties in possession of Ministry in view of Adarsh Society scam in Mumbai;
(b) whether it is a fact that a plot in Malad, Mumbai, which was in possession of Ordnance Depot since 1942 has been illegally sold by the Defence Officials without approval of the Ministry to Private builders for construction of residential complex;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the said transaction is illegal and what steps have been taken to restore the property with the Ministry and what action is taken against the errant officials?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) Steps have been initiated to streamline proper management of Defence land. Two projects one on Digitisation of land records and the other on Survey of Defence Land using modern technology have been sanctioned and they shall be implemented in a time-bound manner.
(b) to (d): As reported by Director General of Defence Estates, 13.28 Acres of State Government land in village Akurli was held on hire by Army since long. In 2007, Collector, Mumbai Suburban Distt., allotted 5166.50 Sq. Mtrs of land adjacent to Central Ordnance Depot (COD) to M/s Neo Pharma Ltd. after receiving its market value. This was objected to by COD and Defence Estates Officer (DEO) on the grounds that this formed part of Defence land on hire. Collector was also informed that COD will not permit any agency to take possession of Defence Land without approval of the Ministry of Defence. However, their objections were overruled by the Collector. COD persisted with its objections and resisted handing over possession of the said land. Subsequently, at the direction of Headquarters, Southern Command, all obstacles were removed and Neo Pharma was permitted to go ahead with the planned development of the plot.
Head Quarters Southern Command has sought that the entire matter may be investigated at appropriate level. Army Headquarters (AHQ) recommended that the case be investigated by the CBI. After considering the matter, Government has asked AHQ to ascertain either by holding a Court of Inquiry or otherwise as to how Head Quarters Southern Command relinquished claim on the said land. Further action will be taken on receipt of report of AHQ.
Will the Minister of DEFENCEbe pleased to state :- (a) whether Government proposes to seal a deal of 11 billion dollars to purchase new fighter jets; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) what measures have been taken considering previous scams in such deals to ensure that the amount will be spent for quality equipment and there is no scope for fraud?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY) (a) & (b): The proposal for procurement of 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at an estimated cost of $ 10.4 billion is being progressed as per the provisions of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). In response to the Request For Proposal, responses were received from six vendors which are being evaluated. (c) The capital procurement for IAF is being done as per the provisions of the DPP, which ensures transparency, probity and accountability.
Will the Minister of DEFENCEbe pleased to state :- (a) what action is taken by the Ministry to secure the properties in possession of Ministry in view of Adarsh Society scam in Mumbai;
(b) whether it is a fact that a plot in Malad, Mumbai, which was in possession of Ordnance Depot since 1942 has been illegally sold by the Defence Officials without approval of the Ministry to Private builders for construction of residential complex;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the said transaction is illegal and what steps have been taken to restore the property with the Ministry and what action is taken against the errant officials?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) Steps have been initiated to streamline proper management of Defence land. Two projects one on Digitisation of land records and the other on Survey of Defence Land using modern technology have been sanctioned and they shall be implemented in a time-bound manner.
(b) to (d): As reported by Director General of Defence Estates, 13.28 Acres of State Government land in village Akurli was held on hire by Army since long. In 2007, Collector, Mumbai Suburban Distt., allotted 5166.50 Sq. Mtrs of land adjacent to Central Ordnance Depot (COD) to M/s Neo Pharma Ltd. after receiving its market value. This was objected to by COD and Defence Estates Officer (DEO) on the grounds that this formed part of Defence land on hire. Collector was also informed that COD will not permit any agency to take possession of Defence Land without approval of the Ministry of Defence. However, their objections were overruled by the Collector. COD persisted with its objections and resisted handing over possession of the said land. Subsequently, at the direction of Headquarters, Southern Command, all obstacles were removed and Neo Pharma was permitted to go ahead with the planned development of the plot.
Head Quarters Southern Command has sought that the entire matter may be investigated at appropriate level. Army Headquarters (AHQ) recommended that the case be investigated by the CBI. After considering the matter, Government has asked AHQ to ascertain either by holding a Court of Inquiry or otherwise as to how Head Quarters Southern Command relinquished claim on the said land. Further action will be taken on receipt of report of AHQ.
