Speedy implementation of defence deals stuck in the mire of corruption, through transparent processes, is top priority of newly-appointed union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who Wednesday also blamed 10 years of Congress rule for the mess India's defence ministry is in.
Parrikar, who was speaking to reporters in Goa during his first visit to the state after taking charge as the union defence minister, also said that most defence procurement deals were stuck because of "lobbying and vested interests and kickbacks" citing the acquisition of VVIP Agusta Westland choppers, and procurement of imported fighter planes as an examples.
"As a result of ten years of Congress rule, many defence deals stuck in sphere of corruption have come to my attention. These need to be resolved as soon as possible, because if it is not done it will affect the capability of the army. Therefore, my first target will be to get the deals cleared on priority one by one," Parrikar told reporters here.
The former Goa chief minister, who was handpicked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to head the sensitive defence ministry, also said that instituting transparent processes would help speed up clearance of these defence deals and that there was no magic wand which could resolve them.
"Most defence deals are stuck up because of lobbying and vested interests and kickbacks," he said.
"Nearly every acquisition has come into some controversy. I am not going to say who is responsible. My job is to keep the controversies aside... what happens in deals worth thousands of crore (is), the more you tighten procedures, to curb corruption, the more you question, the more complex (the procurement process) becomes. Therefore one should devise a transparent method, which no one can question," Parrikar said.
The defence minister said that at the same time, he would also focus on creating a good environment within the armed forces by focussing on three aspects, namely infrastructure, logistics and human resource.
Parrikar also said that his focus would be on making the Indian armed forces prepared for the long term.
"I think we should focus on preparing ourselves for the long term. I will concentrate on that. My efforts will also be to keep the moral of the forces high and developing their capabilities," the former chief minister said.
