MillenniumPost
Nation

IAF awaits clearance of dues amounting over Rs 64 crs

Various ministries owe over Rs 64 crore to the Indian Air Force in outstanding dues for using its aircraft and choppers, Defence Minister A K Antony said on Monday.

In a written reply to Lok Sabha, he said, ‘Amount of Rs 64,29,57,372 is outstanding against various Ministries as fares on use of aircraft/helicopters of the IAF as on March 31, 2013.’

He added that during 2012-13, ‘IAF aircraft/helicopters were used on 133 occasions and amount of Rs 9,48,02,751 is outstanding.’

In reply to a separate question on complaints received from the Central Vigilance Commission, he said, ‘During the last three years, 74 complaints were received from CVC for investigation and reporting to CVC.’  These complaints were mainly pertaining to alleged irregularities in award of contracts for procurements, execution of contracts, recruitment and personal conduct of officials, Antony said.    


39 SQDRN FOR 2-FRONT WAR NEEDED, HAS ONLY 34

The IAF will require 39 combat aircraft units to meet the challenge of fighting a war simultaneously on the Pakistan and China fronts but it has only 34 squadrons, a Parliamentary panel has been informed. In its report, the Standing Committee on Defence has also come down heavily on the government for allocating only Rs 2,000 crore to the IAF for new modernisation schemes whereas Rs 15,000 crore is required only for the Rafale combat jet deal. ‘The Indian Air Force has 34 fighter squadrons against the authorised 42. Thirty-nine squadrons are required at any time to take on challenges of a two-front war scenario,’ the force informed the Standing Committee on Defence.
Next Story
Share it