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Saturday, September 19, 2009 (10:54:19) |
| Tags : Government, IAF, Defence Ministry |
Aircraft meant for VIPs, used by IAF officers, wives |
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| New Delhi: Forget austerity, its raining luxury in Indian Air Force. Just when the episode of ministers staying in 5-star hotels created a huge wave in the political fraternity and austerity drive is put into effect, yet another incident has come out of the bag.
According to the findings of the government's official auditor, Comptroller and Auditor General, eight of its topline aircraft AN-32, which were meant for VIP travel, were used by defence ministry officials, armed service officers, and their family members.
Initially, these 8 aircrafts were meant to carry troops and transport arms and ammunition, but later they
converted for the purpose of VIP travel.
Statistics revealed by the official auditor is no less shocking. As per the report goes, IAF already have the provision of a fleet for their travelling purpose and that was highly underutilized. The audit report states that IAF spent almost Rs 75 crore within a span of 6 years (2002 to 2007), in operating these modified AN-32s, and that too for personal use of Other Entitled Persons (OEPs).
The Public Accounts Committee reviewed the case and produced its report to Parliament during the budget session. The body has urged IAF to immediately restore all the eight AN-32s for operational purposes and not to use aircraft for other purposes. |
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