‘Blacklisting policy eased to ensure supply of spares’

The decision has been taken keeping a balance between security considerations and considerations of probity, said Jaitley.

Arun Jaitley said the decision was taken after due consultations with the Law Ministry and Attorney General.

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday said the government has eased norms on blacklisting of defence firms to ensure smooth supply of spares. He said the decision was taken after due consultations with the Law Ministry and Attorney General.

“The issue has been discussed at length at the Defence Ministry. There are a large number of firms which have been blacklisted. Now that upholds consideration of probity but that narrows our buying options which can affect our security preparedness. The issue was referred to the Attorney General and thereafter the Law Ministry considered it,” Jaitley said at a press conference.

“We have eased to the extent that where supplies have already been made, you need servicing of those equipment. Now you cannot say we have blacklisted you and we won’t take your spare parts. That will make the equipment redundant,”Jaitley said.

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The decision has been taken keeping a balance between security considerations and considerations of probity, he said.

During the tenure of the UPA government, many firms were blacklisted leading to delay as well as dearth of manufacturers to supply equipment to the forces.

Ceasefire violations serious: Jaitley

On Ceasefire violations at both the Line of Control and the International Border, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said they are serious and provocative. “In the last two days at the LoC, after DGMOs discussions we had hoped that things would be better. These incidents are creating an environment which is not very conducive to relationship between the two countries. Both the Army and BSF at the LoC are fully alert and responding effectively to every situation,” he said.

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