Integrated measures up for coastal security: Antony
News4u-News Desk-The Government has said it accorded “top priority” to coastal security and has put in place an integrated approach for the purpose.
“We have accorded top priority to coastal security and for this an integrated approach has been put in place,” Defence Minister A K Antony said to a query in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
“The intelligence-sharing mechanism has been streamlined through creation of joint operation centres and multi-agency coordination mechanism,” he said.
The Minister told the house that Navy and Coast Guard have enhanced surface and air surveillance all along the coast and in all off-shore development areas.
Antony added that joint operational exercises between Navy, Coast Guard, Coastal Police and Customs are being held to check the effectiveness of the new systems.
The Minister informed that the Centre was funding coastal states through coastal security scheme for operationalisation of coastal police stations and patrol boats along with training of 1,515 police personnel by the Coast Guard.
To a query on acquisition of hardware for the defence forces, Antony said, “Defence Acquisition Council meeting was held in August 2009 to consider various acquisition proposals for the Services”.
Inquiry on into land scam involving army officers: Antony
The Government has said an inquiry has been ordered by Army’s Eastern Command to look into a land scam, allegedly involving three Lieutenant General-rank officers.
“No Objection Certificate was issued by 33 Corps headquarters on February 6, 2009 for constructing an educational institution on land adjoining Army areas.
“As this was contrary to an earlier decision, a Court of Inquiry has been ordered by HQ Eastern Command to investigate the circumstances in which the NOC was allowed to be given,” Defence Minister A K Antony said in response to a query in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
The allegation has been levelled against Lt Gen P K Rath, Military Secretary Lt Gen Avadhesh Prakash and 11 Corps Commander Lt Gen Ramesh Halgalli.
The officers have been attached to the Eastern Army Headquarters in Kolkata for the investigations.
Meanwhile, replying to another query on purchase of large tracts of land in Barmer near Pakistan border, the Defence Minister said, “a detailed inquiry has been ordered into these land transactions and Home Ministry is also closely monitoring the investigations in coordination with Rajasthan government.”
A private company Pearl Agrotech Corporation Limited had reportedly purchased 20311 bighas of land in 681 deals spread over several years beginning 2002-03 in the notified area of Barmer district, he added.
Antony said the Army has ordered an inquiry into the alleged firing by its personnel during a recruitment rally in Chandauli in July this year.
A candidate was killed and several others were injured when authorities resorted to firing while controlling a mob during the recruitment rally on 19th July.
Antony said a Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the alleged recruitment scam in Ajmer in July.
Six Army men, including three majors, are accused of their alleged involvement in the case.
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