'I am leaving the army transparent, on the path of transformation,' says General V.K.Singh

New Delhi, May 31 (ANI): Outgoing Chief of the Army Staff, General V.K Singh on Thursday said he was leaving the 1.3 million force in a "transparent" state and "on the path of transformation."

Addressing mediapersons after inspecting a ceremonial guard of honour outside the army headquarters at South Block, General Singh said, " We have brought a change in mindsets of the people (in the army). The army is on the path of transformation. It has become leaner in decision making."

He added that the "hollowness" in the army has been addressed in a "cogent" manner with the active support from the Defence Minister A. K. Antony.

When asked to comment on incoming Chief of Army Staff, General Bikram Singh, General Singh said his successor would work for the benefit of the army.

On the controversies surrounding his 24-month stint as army chief, General Singh said, "There were no controversies."

"When you talk a lot about certain things, they become controversies," he added.

Prior to handing over formal charge to General Bikram Singh, the outgoing chief with a distinguished 42-year career, paid homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.

Commissioned in the 2nd batallion of Rajput Regiment on June 14, 1970, General Singh was the first trained commando to lead the Indian Army. He was its 24th chief.

His successor, General Bikram Singh, will be the first Army Chief to lead the forces without having participated in a full-fledged war.Praful Kumar Singh (ANI)