Transparency best CVC defence for Fernandes

Faced with a no-confidence motion in Parliament this week, Defence Minister George Fernandes said today that he has ‘‘no objection...

Faced with a no-confidence motion in Parliament this week, Defence Minister George Fernandes said today that he has ‘‘no objections’’ in tabling the CVC report as long as rules permitted.

When contacted, Fernandes said: ‘‘Personally, I feel, if rules come in the way of transparency then they need to be amended and I have no objection to table any report as long as rules allow it.’’

Defence Ministry officials say the CVC report, which is at the centre of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) controversy, had examined several deals and recommended action against a number of officials. While South Block officials are mum on the issue, it is learnt that action has been taken against several officers and some have also been found guilty by the competent authority.

‘‘In fact, some cases are still being investigated and action will be taken against the officials concerned, if found guilty,’’ highly placed officials told The Indian Express.

South Block Officials say the CVC had informed the Ministry that there won’t be any further inquiry into defence purchases made between 1989 and 1999. They said offers were made to earlier PAC chairman N.D. Tiwari, as well as present chairman Buta Singh, to share the contents of the CVC report as per rules. However, Tiwari moved out after being appointed the CM of Uttaranchal and Singh refused to see the report on grounds that it be shared with all PAC members.

Officials add that the Defence Ministry had answered all 164 queries put forth by the PAC, based on the CAG report on Kargil purchases, and had also provided evidence. ‘‘Even the three Vice Chiefs of Staff from the Army, Navy and Air Force made several appearances before the PAC.”