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Sitharaman slams ‘attempts to sabotage, stop’ Rafale deal
New Delhi, Jan 19 (IANS) Asserting that Rafale fighter jet is integral to the country’s strategic interests, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday slammed attempts to “sabotage” and “stop the deal” for acquiring 36 fighter aircraft in a ready-to-fly condition.
In her special address on “India’s Strategic Interest in the Context of Rafale Deal”, organised by Foundation for Public Awareness and Policy”, the Defence Minister accused the opposition parties, particularly the Congress, for “confusing” and “misinforming” the people on the issue of pricing of the aircraft.
Sitharaman said the opposition is comparing the then basic price of the Rafale jet with that of today, without factoring the escalation in the cost in the last one decade.
Flaying the Congress for raking up the issue of price, Sitharaman said in the 10 years that it was in power, it did not finalise the deal and not one aircraft was purchased while the Indian Air Force was in dire need of the fourth generation fighter jets which India’s neighbours were acquiring.
Assailing the Congress for its failure in addressing the “urgent” requirements of the Air Force, the Defence Minister described it as a “disservice” to the nation.
Sitharaman also questioned the sincerity of the UPA government in acquiring the fighter jets, saying that at no stage a provision was made in the budget for purchasing these aircraft.
She said that the Narendra Modi government started the process in 2016 and in 14 months completed it and in September this year, the country will have its first Rafale jet.
What is going on is an “international corporate war”, the Defence Minister said, adding: “None of us should fall prey to international corporate war by telling the people partial truths and half-truths.”
Mocking at the Congress for raising questions or suspicion on the deal, the Defence Minister said it is rooted in the past experience on “cutting corners” in the deals by those who were no associated with its negotiations.
Asserting that the deal was hammered by the senior Air Force officers and there was no middle man, Sitharaman said: “We did not have any middle man in the corridor of South Block (housing the Defence Ministry).”
On the offset money component of the deal, the Defence Minister clarified that under the agreement, the Dassault is mandated to invest 50 per cent of the deal money in India and it needs not necessarily be for Rafale aircraft. “It can be for any thing … even for mixers and grinders.”
Former Vice Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Shirish Deo said the country’s defence forces have to be prepared to meet any exigency and that the country cannot afford a repeat of 1962 war with China.
“We need to be strong and fast, otherwise it will be catastrophic,” Air Marshal Deo said asserting that “Rafale will change the way we fight, the way Navy fights and the way Army fights”.
Taking exception to people questioning the statement of the Air chief defending Rafale, Air Marshal Deo said: “It hurts when Air chief is doubted.”
–IANS
pk/nir
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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