Rs 350 crore for modernisation work at AFK

In a bid to strengthen the ordnance infrastructure,the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has undertaken modernisation works of all ordnance establishments across the country. As part of the programme,budget of Rs 350 crore has been sanctioned for infrastructure,plant and machinery at the Ammunition Factory,Khadki (AFK),said Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju,who is on a two-day visit to the ordnance establishments in and around the city.

“The ordnance turnover is expected to grow from Rs 8,720 crore last year to Rs 11,209 crore this year and we are planning to modernise all establishments that come under the ordinance set up. Lot of work is currently on at the High Explosive Factory (HEF) and Ordinance Factory (OF) Khadki. Safety is another important and ongoing aspect and special emphasis has been made on safety related precautions at the factory,” said Raju.

Till date,the Army has been projecting its requirements for a year in advance. This year onwards,the projections would be made for five years so as to allow the ordinance establishments to plan better. Major steps are also under way to make ordnance factories vital supply chain elements and Raju said,“Ministry of Defence and Government of India are trying for greater private sector participation to widen defence industrial base in the country so that in years to come we should be substantial drivers in the Indian economy.”

Commenting on defence land issues,Raju said misuse of defence lands would not be tolerated. “Instructions have been given to estates departments of establishments. Legal help would be provided by the ministry in all such cases. We have also taken steps to empower GOCs to tackle issues related to land misuse.”