'IAF waiting for clearance of dues amounting over Rs 64 cr'

Various ministries owe over Rs 64 crore to the Indian Air Force in outstanding dues for using its aircraft and choppers, Defence Minister A K Antony said today.
In a written reply to Lok Sabha, he said, "Amount of Rs 64,29,57,372 is outstanding against various Ministries as fares on use of aircraft/helicopters of the IAF as on March 31, 2013."
He added that during 2012-13, "IAF aircraft/helicopters were used on 133 occasions and amount of Rs 9,48,02,751 is outstanding."
In reply to a separate question on complaints received from the Central Vigilance Commission, he said, "During the last three years, 74 complaints were received from CVC for investigation and reporting to CVC."

These complaints were mainly pertaining to alleged irregularities in award of contracts for procurements, execution of contracts, recruitment and personal conduct of officials, Antony said.
"Top priority is attached to the complaints received from CVC and utmost urgency is observed to investigate and bring such complaints to the logical conclusion within the time stipulated by CVC," he said.

On whether the government is considering changes in the Defence Procurement Procedure, Antony said, "The review of DPP, which deals with capital acquisition cases, is a continuous and an ongoing process."
He also informed the House that amendment proposals based on the current review have recently been approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).

"These amendments aim at enhancing indigenisation, reducing processing time and bring further clarity in the capital acquisition process...Efforts are at hand to promulgate the amended DPP within the current quarter of the financial year 2013-14," Antony said.