Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether any representations regarding alleged irregularities in procurement of ultra light Howitzer guns have been received by the Government;

(b) if so, the details thereof, representation-wise;

(c) whether the Government has ordered any probe into the alleged irregularities in the matter; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. Representations from two Members of Parliament were received in 2010, followed by various anonymous complaints regarding alleged irregularities in the procurement of ultra light Howitzer guns. The main issues raised in these complaints relate to technical parameters, cost effectiveness and economic viability of the Gun.

(c) & (d) Ministry of Defence has constituted a Technical Oversight Committee as per provisions of the DPP (Defence Procurement Procedure) that has also been tasked with examining all the complaints relating to this procurement case.

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