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The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has sought an independent ‘techno-administrative’ probe into the role of the Chairman of BEML in alleged irregularities in the Tatra-BEML deal.
In a letter to the Defence Minister, Mr A.K. Antony, Mr Dipankar Mukherjee, former MP and Secretary, CITU, also sought suspension of the CMD, Bharat Heavy Earth Movers Ltd, Mr V.R.S Natrajan, pending the enquiry.
Urging Mr Antony to act in the ‘interest of preserving the image of public sector defence units,” Mr Mukherjee sought an inquiry into the claims of indigenisation of Tatra trucks by BEML.
“The claim of the CMD, BMEL, that 68 per cent of components have been indigenised appears to be hollow as…only small value items such as fasteners, hardware items, hooks, nameplates are being made indigenously,” he said.
Heavy items such as engines, cabin, gear boxes, axles and chassis are not fully indigenised or if some are, they are hardly in use, he added.
“To many of us, including you, who have a sense of commitment to public sector philosophy…the Tatra–BEML deal is not only an issue of criminal culpability or financial impropriety but a serious act of administrative lapse and dereliction of duty at the top level of BEML, causing irreparable damage to the image and reputation of a defence PSU,’ he said in the letter.
Last month, the Army Chief, General V.K. Singh, had alleged that he was offered a bribe to clear “sub-standard” trucks, which brought the Tatra deals with the Army under scanner.
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