M A I N   N E W S

Panel refuses to give findings on Kargil purchases
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 6
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament today did not put forward its findings on the Kargil purchases irregularities due to “refusal” by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide the committee with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) report on the matter.

In an unprecedented move, the PAC, while submitting its report on the irregularities in the purchases for the war between India and Pakistan in Kargil, expressed its “inability” to give its findings as the MoD had refused to provide it with the CVC report on the same issue.

Tabling the 54th report in both Houses of Parliament, the Committee Chairman Buta Singh said, “in face of refusal by the Ministry of Defence in supplying the CVC report, the PAC regret, their inability to give their findings on the defence procurement transactions reported in the CAG’s report on the Review of Procurement for Operation Vijay”.

There was uproar in the Houses as the report was tabled. BJP members alleged that it had been leaked before it was placed in Parliament. This as the PAC had unanimously resolved that the matter regarding the possible breach of privilege and interference in its functioning by the Defence Minister be brought to the notice of the Speaker for examination by the Privileges Committee of Parliament.

The committee expressed surprise that such a vital document, which was considered essential for the scrutiny of Kargil arms purchases, had been withheld from them on the grounds of secrecy.

The MoD had refused to provide the CVC report to it on the plea that it was based on “secret and top secret documents” and “therefore .... it would be prejudicial to the interest of the state”, the PAC said.

Incidentally, The Tribune was the first to report about the possible irregularities in the Kargil purchases more than two years ago. It was reported that the CAG had taken up the issue of Kargil purchases as the army had continued to buy arms and equipment in the name of ‘Kargil’ till March, 2000, when the war had got over in July, 1999.

The 22-member PAC took strong exception to the letter written by Defence Minister George Fernandes to all Members of Parliament “authenticating and circulating a booklet by R.V. Pandit containing derogatory remarks against the CAG” which, it said, was a constitutional body.

The CAG report had indicted the Defence Ministry for a number of purchases which included the shells for Bofors 155 mm guns worth over Rs 1,200 crore from South Africa, whose shelf-life had expired.