Thursday, March 29, 2012

All the three Service Chiefs enjoy Govt’s confidence: Antony

Asking the media to desist from damaging the image of the Army, Defence Minister AK Antony has said all the three Service Chiefs enjoy the confidence of the Government.

He was speaking at the seventh defence expo in national capital on Thursday.
His remarks assume significance in the wake of controversy over leakage of a letter written by Army Chief VK Singh to the Prime Minister. Antony said intelligence Bureau has been asked to probe into the leak episode and strongest action under laws will be taken after inquiry.
Defence Minister said country needs substantial step up in allocation for modernization of defence forces as its neighbours are modernizing their defence force at a fast pace.
Speaking on the alleged corruption in defence procurement, Antony said there is policy of zero tolerance on corruption, and if the charges are proved he would not hesitate to scrap the process.
He said the ministry has blacklisted six firms including four foreign firms on the recommendations of the CBI recently.
Meanwhile, the Army Chief General VK Singh has said that the leak of his letter to the Prime Minister on defence preparedness should be treated as “high treason”.
In a brief statement released by Army Headquarters, General said his official communication  with the Prime Minister and Defence Minister is a “Privileged” communication.
He said the cynical approach to tarnish his reputation should stop and sources of the leakage should be found and dealt with ruthlessly.
The media leak of the letter came amid General’s media interview in which he claimed that he was offered a bribe by a retired Lieutenant General for swinging a sub-standard defence deal.

No comments:

Post a Comment