NEW DELHI, May 2:
Defence Minister A K Antony today said the Government will ask the Central Bureau of Investigation to fast track the case relating to irregularities in supply of Tatra trucks.
In a reply in the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour, Mr Antony said,”we have nothing to hide in the Tatra case. Our hands are clean. We are ready to answer all questions on the issue in Parliament. However, outside Parliament, I do not like to have a running commentary on the issue.”
The Defence Minister said he had already referred the matter for a comprehensive enquiry by the CBI.
“I hope the CBI will complete it as fast as possible. I will ask the CBI to fast track the enquiry so that the situation becomes clear,”Mr Antony said.
The Defence Minister said whatever procurement was made was done on the request of the Army and any decision in this regard is taken as per the requirement.
Terming the situation in this regard as quite complex, he said that because of the involvement of big countries, decisions in this regard are taken with utmost caution. He said that on the one hand, it was alleged that the Government delays the procurement while on the other hand, the Government was blamed for not taking action.
In this context, he said that whenever the Government knows about any irregularities, action is taken in the matter which in turn leads to some delays.
Mr Antony said the Ministry had blacklisted six companies with whom no commercial dealings would be undertaken.
He further said that in future all the deals would be done after obtaining the advice of the Central Vigilance Commission.
In reply to another question, the Minister said that with regard to Army officers working for arms companies after their retirement, a standing committee on Defence had recommended that there should be a period of five years before the retired officials seek employment with private companies. (UNI)
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