This refers to Ajai Shukla's column "Navy must reclaim its ethos" (Broadsword, March 4). The author has given impressive arguments regarding the serviceability of submarines by comparing the age of our craft with those of other countries. A submarine is not just a vessel with a name. It comprises several parts, each of which has a lifetime. Have these parts been replaced or serviced to the required standards or have they been flogged till an accident takes place? Recall the Indian penchant for running things till they die -our trucks, trains, rail lines and bridges. Till the details of their replacement schedule are clarified the blame lies with those who sanction such expenditure. Can the defence secretary file an affidavit that all craft, planes and tanks have been sanctioned replacements? After all, the Government of India Business Rules, 1961 pertaining to the defence ministry clearly state that "the Department of Defence is responsible for the defence and every part thereof including preparation for defence and all such acts as may be conducive in times of war to its prosecution and after its termination to effective demobilisation as also procurement exclusive to the defence services".
T R Ramaswami Mumbai
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