Corruption will not be tolerated in defence procurements, asserts Antony

Kochi, Apr 11 (ANI): Defence Minister A.K. Antony said here today that corruption would not be tolerated in defence procurements.

"No cover-up, but no vendetta; this is our motto governing the defence deals. Any substantial allegations of corruption in defence deals would be probed, and the guilty would be punished, however powerful the company or people involved. We have blacklisted several companies and would continue to do so if there are grounds for it," Antony told the media here after the Coast Guard investiture ceremony.

Refuting that there was any communication gap between the Defence Ministry and armed forces, Antony said: "Defence Ministry and Forces work as a family and divergent opinions could be expressed at various levels on different issues as part of the democratic decision making process."

"But once the decisions are taken everybody abides by it. I have great respect and love for the members of the armed forces," he added.

Antony had on Tuesday said that reports of the Army being short of tank ammunition are just "rumours".

"These are all rumours. I can assure you that India is in a much more strong position as compared to the past," Antony told reporters.

"There will always be some shortcomings and that is also in the process. We can"t expect 100 per cent requirements to be fulfilled and also that entire force is not on the front. They are spread all over," he added.

Antony's statement is seen as a response to Army Chief General V K Singh's letter to the Prime Minister in March that armoured regiments were facing a critical shortage of ammunition. (ANI)