Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether irregularities in purchase / procurement of bags for missile projects by Ordnance Factory, Itarsi, has been reported;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether bags used for movement of propellants have been procured on higher rates and quality of bags have been compromised by Ordnance Factory, Itarsi;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(e) whether Government has inquired into the irregularities and has fixed responsibility in this regard;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

(g) if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a)Yes, Sir. Irregularities in purchase / procurement of rubberized bags at Ordnance Factory Itarsi (OFI) has been reported. These bags are required for transportation of propellant for Pinaka Rocket from one Ordnance Factory to another Ordnance Factory.

(b)to(g):CBI Bhopal has registered a preliminary inquiry against officials of OFI, Scientists of High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (a DRDO Laboratory), Pune and the supplier M/s. VLS Industries, Nagpur for allegedly favouring of the supplier by accepting bags of substandard quality at high rates.

On the request of CBI, necessary permission has been accorded by the Ministry for initiating inquiry under section 6A of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act 1946 against the then AGM of Ordnance Factory Itarsi.

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