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PC attacks govt on CAG report coverup

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 9/24/2020 11:31:40 PM

NEW DELHI, Sep 24: Congress leader P Chidambaram attacked the government this morning after India’s Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), in a report, asked for the French firm Dassault Aviation to review the defense ministry’s policy on the Rs 58,000-crore Rafale deal.
The French firm is yet to transfer technical assistance to India as part of the 36 Rafale jet deal, the national auditor said in its report that it was tabled in Parliament. The 75-year-old Congress leader wrote in a tweet, “The CAG finds that the Rafale aircraft vendors have not confirmed the transfer of technology under the offset contract.”
“Offset obligations should have commenced on 23-9-2019 and the first annual commitment should have been completed by 23-9-2020, which is tomorrow. Will the government say if the obligation is met? Whether the CAG report Is the inauguration report? Chidambaram (sic),” Chidambaram said in another post criticizing the government.
The CAG stated in its report: “In reimbursement of four contracts related to 36 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), the vendors Dassault Aviation and MBDA initially (September 2015) proposed to discharge 30 percent of their offset liability. Was. High-tech offering to DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization).”
“DRDO wanted to get technical support for indigenous development of engines (Kaveri) for Light Combat Aircraft. To date the vendor has not confirmed the transfer of this technology,” the National Audit Monitoring further underlined, Ministry of Defense Policy. “The desired result is not found.”
The report states, “The Ministry of Defense (Defense) is required to review the policy and its implementation. It is designed to identify and overcome the obstacles faced by foreign suppliers as well as foreign companies. Needs to be found,” the report emphasized.
The Rs 58,000-crore deal to buy 36 Rafale jets was signed by the BJP government in 2016. Dassault Aviation said it would eventually meet its offset obligation, which has slowed down in the last few months due to the crisis of the Coronusvirus. Five of the 36 jets have been inducted into the Indian Air Force.
Congress has been attacking the government for the purchase of Rafale jet. Last month, as the first accidental landing in India, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted: “Congratulations to Rafael for the IAF. Meanwhile, GOI may reply: 1) Why each aircraft costs Rs 1670 crore instead of Rs 526 crore. Crore? 2) Why were there 36 planes? Bought instead of 126? 3) Why was the bankrupt Anil given a contract of Rs 30,000 crore instead of HAL?
“The Congress’ campaign for the national election – held in April-May last year – was alleged that PM Modi signed a major deal to facilitate an offset contract for Anil Ambani’s inexperienced defense company. The government had shelved the allegations.