Govt. committed to provide all assistance for modernisation of Defence PSUs: Antony

NEW DELHI - Defence Minister A K Antony on Wednesday said the Government is committed to provide all assistance including necessary funds for the modernisation of defence public sector undertakings.

“On its part Government is committed to provide all assistance including necessary funds for the modernisation of defence public sector undertakings,” said Antony, while giving away the Raksha Mantri Excellence Awards for 2008-09 here today.

“From the next year onwards there will be a new ‘Defence Procurements and Production’ policy in place which calls for keen competition between the public and private sectors engaged in defence production,” he added.

The Defence Minister reminded that at the time when India is seeking a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), heavy dependence on foreign companies for defence acquisition is not suitable.

“India must have a strong defence production base which is completely indiginised. There will be no nomination for Shipyards in the future. The private players will also be allowed on the basis of merit,” said Antony.

Responding to a question on the Adarsh Housing Society scam, Antony said the Army Chief has himself recommended the investigation and this will not affect the morale of defence forces in any way.

“A new Director General of Defence Estates have been appointed and been asked to clean up the organisation,” he added.

Antony presented the Defence Minister’s Awards for Excellence for the year 2008-09 to Ordnance Factories and Defence Public Sector Undertakings at a function here today. (ANI)