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Journalism of Courage
While it is no one’s case that the economics and technical savvy of India’s defence production processes are perfect — this newspaper’s investigative series on DRDO was a sharp reminder of the many horrendous imperfections — it is also true politicians haven’t generally used the sarkari armaments set-up as a gravy train. Which is to say there was always something to distinguish DRDO from the railways. A.K. Antony, ably aided by Kerala’s Marxists, is about to erase that distinction. The consequences go beyond poor economics, although that is serious enough. Low politics may firmly and permanently enter macro and possibly micro defence decisions. And, once in, low politics seldom leaves.
When KELTEC was set up in 1994, DRDO and ISRO were supposed to be its customers. Clearly, the customers haven’t been thrilled with the products. Which is why KELTEC has been in trouble. So what kind of ministerial responsibility is Antony exercising when he listens to Kerala’s industry minister and forces DRDO to accept the same supplier? Equipment making for high-grade weaponry is not a matter to be settled by two politicians talking about 300 local jobs. It is unlikely any defence minister before Antony had allowed defence research to be so openly politicised. Indeed, even if KELTEC were fantastically efficient, Antony’s decision would still be wrong. It is not the minister’s job to select DRDO’s suppliers. A critical line has been crossed and Antony’s boss in the government should notice that fact. The minister’s decision should be countermanded. If it is minister-mandated supplies for DRDO today, what’s on tomorrow? A minister-inspired IAF strategy that Kerala needs a huge fighter base to take on pirates?
