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Defence workers plan agitation against FDI

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Our Correspondent Nagpur
Last Updated : Feb 06 2013 | 5:15 PM IST
The All India Defence Employees' Federation (AIDEF), representing over 6 lakh civilian employees working in the defence sector, has opposed the proposed foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector.
 
The organisation has threatened to strike work if the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre does not reverse its decision.
 
The Federal Council of AIDEF is to meet in Bangalore on December 7 and 8 to chalk out further plans of agitation, disclosed Federation's Joint Secretary Raghunath Jha at a press conference here.
 
Jha said the decision to allow FDI in the defence sector is a threat to the country and could be dangerous.
 
He cited the example of Kargil war when India was refused by a England-based company which manufactured shoes to be used at high altitudes. This cost the Army heavily as it lost many jawans and officers in the war, he said.
 
The Federation leader expressed apprehension about maintaining secrecy of designs and projects with the entry of private parties in defence production. He also feared that terrorists may have easy access to high-end explosives and weapons due to privatisation of defence production.
 
Jha said that the decision to strike work was deliberately being contemplated at peace time as employees faced the threat of being labeled as traitors and anti-nationals if they suspended work when a war was on.
 
He said that the AIDEF had submitted a memorandum of demands to the Union defence minister Pranab Mukherjee.
 
The major demands include opposition to FDI in defence sector and permitting private parties in arms' production. Other demands relate to leave encashment and similar work related grievances.

 
 

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First Published: Nov 17 2004 | 12:00 AM IST

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