AK Antony says ‘no cover-up, no vendetta’

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“No cover-up, and no vendetta,’ is my policy in dealing with complaints regarding defence purchases,” defence minister A.K. Antony said here on Wednesday.

The minister was addressing the media after the investiture ceremony of the Coast Guard, where he presented medals to its personnel.

Complaints regarding defence purchases were nothing new but the present government made a difference by meeting them squarely. “I have ordered probes into all complaints brought to my notice. And if somebody is caught doing wrong, he will be punished.”

He said many complaints came up from firms that failed to get contracts. Likewise, lack of promotions could cause heartburns among top defence officers who found an outlet in such complaints. “But we don’t reject a complaint without a thorough probe.”

About allegations that defence procurement had been affected for fear of such complaints and by the recent blacklisting of six international firms, Antony agreed that black listing had reduced the options. But Indian armoury had a history of shortage and there’s the paucity of funds, he said.

He said the Coast Guard (CG) will soon acquire 46 static radars with a view to intensifying coastal surveillance.

Four of them would be in Kerala and six in Lakshadweep. The strength of CG, which has 68 ships and 52 aircraft now, would be doubled in five years. “Though it’s the youngest member of our defence structure, Coast Guard is the fastest growing one compared to others.
The CG already has 43 stations.

Coastal surveillance had assumed priority since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the Navy and Coast Guard had stepped up vigil off the Lakshadweep coast under the ‘Island Watch’ mission, Antony said.