New Delhi: A group of senior Congress leaders opined that the Central Government's decision on the proposed privatisation of 41 Ordnance Factories and changes in FDI policy in the Defence sector is conflicting 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat Mission' and will compromise India's national security interest.
In a joint statement, by Congress leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, Kapil Sibal, Vivek Tankha, Manish Tewari and Shashi Tharoor, it has been suggested that the government should take back it's decision on the matter. Interestingly, these are the same leaders who were among the 23-letter writers seeking organisational reform in Congress.
The Congress leaders called BJP-led Central government's decision regarding Defence sector, the proposed privatisation of 42 Ordnance Factories, changes in FDI Policy and 'diluting' the Defence Offsets Policy including dispensing with the condition of transfer of Technology in the acquisition of weapons and equipment for Armed forces, 'deeply disturbing'.
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"These decisions compromise national security interests and will have long term implications for India's defence preparedness and in becoming a self-reliant nation. These decisions are also in conflict with the government's 'Make in India' campaign and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' Mission," said the statement.
The leaders also mentioned that nearly 70,000 employees of all 41 Ordnance Factories across India are on a month-long strike in protest against 'Corporatisation' of the Ordnance Factory Board, claiming that the government's move violates the agreements and assurances given to them in the past.
Mentioning that the Ordnance Factories have a huge infrastructure, production capacities and real estate at strategic locations across India, the statement further added, "These are valuable national assets which cannot be squandered away. What is needed today is an infusion of technology, manpower training and acquisition or orders by the Armed forces. Handing over the factories and assets to the private sector is bereft of any justification and against India's national interest."
Congress leaders also demanded an explanation from the Government that in which way OFB has failed in transparency and accountability in a democratic system, as it is accountable to the Parliament and also to CAG.
Terming it a 'serious concern', these leaders have demanded a review and reversal of government's decisions and policy changes in the Defence sector. "Accessing, acquiring and assimilating high-end technologies for domestic production of high reforms and systems has been and must remain a national priority to reduce India's dependence on defence exports," read the statement.
Earlier in July, former Defence Minister and veteran Congress leader AK Antony had also reacted sharply on government's decision on changes in FDI policy in defence, calling it a 'big threat' posed to the national security and India's independent foreign policy.
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