Monday, July 30, 2012

BEML - Tatra Trucks

New Delhi: Probing the Tatra scam, CBI has claimed to have laid its hands on crucial records showing that BEML top brass had insisted on getting technology from Ravinder Rishi's firm that was already available with the PSU a decade back.
The records show that while renewing the contract with Rishi promoted Tatra Sipox UK in 2003, during the tenure of then CMD VRS Natarajan, BEML officials claimed that they had no option but to enter in agreement as only it had axle technology which was unique selling point of Tatra trucks, CBI sources said.
BEML officials claimed in their correspondence with Defence Minstry that Rishi had refused to supply anything related to the axle technology which leaves no option but to continue with supply agreement with his firm, they said.
BEML top brass had insisted on getting technology from Ravinder Rishi's firm that was already available with the PSU.
BEML had technology yet depended on Rishi's firm: CBI on Tatra scam
The sources claimed the technology that PSU was citing to be exclusively with Rishi's firm was apparently handed over by Tatra to BEML as part of technology transfer agreement with the PSU in 1986.
The CBI sources said probe revealed BEML had received most of the designs by 1991 including the axles, which give the Tatra Trucks ability to traverse difficult terrains, but still the officials kept saying that Rishi had refused to indigenise it.
The sources said BEML had renewed the contract in 2003, with Rishi's firm Tatra Sipox UK which was three years ahead of scheduled renewal.
The allegations of any wrongdoing had been refuted by Rishi as well as Natarajan saying no rules were violated.
Sources said probe has been able to prove beyond doubt that BEML officials were allegedly not telling the complete truth.
CBI sources said Tatra Sipox UK claimed to be representative of Slovakia based Tatra Sipox, which had the axle technology while the rest of the truck was manufactured by Czech republic based Tatra a.s.
They said surprisingly the Slovak manufacturer of axle did not have rights to use the brand name Tatra and the 1997 agreement of Tatra Sipox UK with BEML there was a clause that says the PSU could not use the brand name on its truck.
They said the probe has reveal several alleged irregularities in the supply of Tatra vehicles which include lack of indigenisation of these vehicles by the PSU.
CBI, the sources said, has so far found enough evidence to show that BEML had option to directly enter in agreement with Czech manufacturer Tatra a.s which had offered to supply completely built truck at 40 per cent, they said.
The agency has also found that BEML top brass continued to cite dependence on Ravinder Rishi promoted Tatra Sipox UK which was not an authorised representative of Tatra a.s the original manufacturer of trucks, they said.
The agency has so far questioned more than 10 top officials of the BEML who were in the helm of affairs since 1995 and recovered number of documents related to deal during its searches, they said.
CBI sources said Rishi allegedly gave 50 per cent stake to Venus projects, a representative of Tatra a.s, in Tatra Sipox UK to ensure he is able to supply products of both the companies to BEML, which assembled them in India and supplied them to the Army at a premium.
The agency is probing alleged irregularities in assigning supply from Tatra, with which the agreement was originally signed in 1986, to the Tatra-Sipox UK owned by Rishi in 1997 showing it as Original Equipment manufacturer and the fully-owned subsidiary of the Czech company which was against rules, they said.

DRDO Products

Major Products/Technologies

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Corrupt BEML


NEW DELHI: The CBI has found a 1994 letter from Czech truck manufacturer Tatra offering direct collaboration with the public sector BEML to supply completely built trucks at 40% discount on their retail price, on the condition of doing away with intermediaries. CBI sources said they had recovered the letter written by a Tatra AS official and were trying to find out if there was any sabotage.

Sources said that despite the offer of completely built trucks at Rs 23 lakh a piece in 1994 directly from the manufacturer, BEML entered into a deal with Ravinder Rishi-promoted Tatra Sipox UK in 1997, which was an intermediary, at much higher rates. CBI feels this was allegedly at the behest of some interested parties.

Sources said India had entered into a truck supply deal with Czechoslovakia-based Tatra in 1986 through its authorized representative Omnipol. After division of the country in 1992, the company got divided between Czech Republic-based Tatra AS, which manufactured 70% of the truck, and Slovakia-based Tatra Sipox, which manufactured axles and chasis. Sources added that close to the division of Czechoslovakia, there was chaos between 1991-94 when there was almost no supply and BEML, without any formal agreement, allegedly started procuring trucks from Venus, a representative of Tatra AS.

Sources said in the letter, the Tatra AS official also mentioned the "comfort level" BEML enjoyed with Venus, an intermediary. In the proposal, he suggested BEML enter into a fresh agreement with the company on two conditions — terminate the 1986 agreement with Omnipol and remove any intermediary.

Sources said the proposal was very much in line with the Defence Procurement Rules which said defence purchases should either be through the manufacturer or its authorized representatives and Tatra was insisting to do away with any intermediaries.

Sources said that despite Tatra not having any formal agreement with Tatra Sipox UK for marketing its products and the latter not being its authorized representative, BEML still chose to enter into an agreement with it in violation of Defence Procurement Rules. They said Tatra had entered into an agreement with Venus to market its products, while Tatra Sipox UK claimed to be a representative of Tatra Sipox. CBI sources said Rishi allegedly gave 50% stake to Venus in Tatra Sipox UK to ensure he was able to supply products of both the firms to BEML, which supplied them to the Army at a premium.

The agency, which found this letter during one of its searches, is likely to carry out another inspection of BEML facilities in Bangalore, sources said, adding that another BEML facility was inspected earlier this week.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Known Corrupted Politicians of few

List of politicians in India charged with corruption
Name Important Positions Held During Career Charges Trial Result
Kripashankar Singh President of Congress - Mumbai chapter, Minister of State in Govt. of Maharashtra Disproportionate Assets running into several hundred Crore rupees.[5] The Bombay High Court directed the city police commissioner to prosecute him for "criminal misconduct" under the PC Act. [6][7]Investigation is in progress.
Bangaru Laxman President of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Bribery in defence deal. He was caught accepting bribe in a Sting operation carried out by Tehelka magazine Convicted by a Special CBI Court [8]
Prakash Singh Badal Chief Minister of Punjab Cheating, Disproportionate Assets Acquitted after witnesses turned hostile[9][10]
Sukhbir Singh Badal Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Cheating, Disproportionate Assets, Intimidating journalists[11] Acquitted after witnesses turned hostile,[9][10] Other cases still pending
Ashok Chavan Chief Minister of Maharashtra Adarsh Housing Society Scam Accused by CBI, trial pending[12]
Suresh Jain Minister for food and civil supplies, Maharashtra Corruption in Jalgaon District Co-operative Bank Implicated by the Sawant Commission[13]
Balram Jakhar Union Minister and Speaker Hawala scandal Acquitted of all charges[14][15]
C K Jaffer Sheriff A senior leader of the Indian National Congress party from Karnataka. He was the Railway Minister in the Government of India from 1991-95. Charged for causing loss to the public exchequer regarding his 1995 foreign trip. Chargesheet filed by CBI. Charges framed by special CBI on 3 July 2012. Trial to begin on 21 August 2012.[16]
Pratap Singh Kairon Chief Minister of Punjab Corruption Commission of inquiry Indicted him. Resigned. Finally assassinated
Suresh Kalmadi Member of Parliament CWG scam Indicted and arrested, released on bail[17]
M. K. Kanimozhi Member of Parliament 2G spectrum scam Indicted and arrested, released on bail[18]
Jagir Kaur Minister, Punjab Government Conspiracy to murder her own daughter Trial continuing[19]
Madhu Koda Chief Minister of Jharkhand Rs 4000 crore (USD 8.8 bn) graft money case In jail since 2009, investigation continues[20]
R.Balakrishna Pillai Minister, Kerala Government Idamalayar Dam Graft case Convicted, serving sentence[21]
A. Raja Union Cabinet Minister for Communications and Information Technology 2G spectrum scam Indicted and arrested, Awaiting trial[22]
Sukh Ram Telecom Minister 1993 Telecom scam Sentenced to three years rigorous imprisonment by sessions court in July 2002 which was upheld by Delhi High Court on December 21, 2011. Supreme Court granted him an interim bail till August 7, 2012.[23] In another related case sessions court on November 20, 2011 awarded him five years of rigorous imprisonment.[24][25]
P. V. Narasimha Rao (deceased) Prime Minister Alleged offering of bribes, alleged framing of V.P. Singh, and cheating Lakhubhai Pathak Higher court overturned conviction in the first case and the trial court acquitted him in the other two cases[26][27][28][29]
Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy Member of Parliament Disproportionate Assets Chargesheeted by CBI, Awaiting prosecution[30]
Pinarayi Vijayan Kerala State Secretary of CPIM SNC-Lavalin case. Awaiting prosecution[31]
Lalu Prasad Yadav Chief Minister of Bihar, Minister of Railways Fodder scam, others Acquitted in 2006 in Disproportionate Assets case.[32][33] As of May 2012, Fodder scam cases still going on.[34] [35][36]
B. S. Yeddyurappa Former Chief Minister of Karnataka Illegal mining scam Surrendered to Lokayukta court, was in judicial custody for 22 days, released on bail[37][38]
G. Janardhana Reddy Member of Legislative Council, Government of Karnataka Illegal mining scam In judicial custody in Hyderabad[39]
Virbhadra Singh Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Union Minister of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Misuse of official position (chief minister) and criminal conduct[40] Chargesheet filed in court of special Judge BL Soni[40]
Tota Singh [41] Education Minister (Govt of Punjab), Agriculture Minister (Govt. of Punjab)[41] Disproportionate Assets: Misusing official position and possessing property worth INR 10 crore which was stated to be disproportionate to his known sources of income [42] Convicted by trial court, gets 1 year jai

Friday, July 13, 2012

Cadre Review of Supervisosry staff at OFB


SAVE ORDNANCEFACTORIES
20-102 Venkatapuram,Alwal,Secunderabad-500 015
To
The Secretary,
Ministry of De fence Production, South block, New delhi-110 011.
Sub- Anomalies of Merger of posts of CM II with CM I and AF,SH,FM with JWM,Group B Gazetted at Ordnance factories –
Sir,
The 6th Pay commission merged the Pay scales and given GPs to the government employees .As per OFB, the merger of posts of CM II with CM I and AF, FM, SH with JWM were done by MOD and not by them. Here MOD treated the DGOF, which is an Industry with DGQA and DGAQA, which aare service departments. This is the first anomaly.
Merging of existing 4 functional posts of the supervisory cadre of Ordnance factories and leaving only 2 functional posts and allowing 5 functional posts to the industrial cadre and more than 7 functional posts to the IOFS cadre is a second anomaly. Here MOD/OFB broke the back bone supervisory staff.
The present merged JWM, Group b gazetted officers are bunch of qualified and un qualified persons of matric to degree holders in engineering. Most of the promoters are matriculates with experience and direct and UPSC candidates are Diploma/Degree holders. Here one JWM has to report to another JWM in the shop floor and at office duties. In other department this type of reporting not exists. No under Secretary Report to another US. Similarly no AWM reports another AWM in ordnance factories. Some cases a senior JWM with matriculation, controls the diploma/degree JWMs.  This is the third anomaly.
As faras CMs are concerned the CM II is merged with CM I post. After 3 years of service the CM II promoted to CM I post. In some factories the CM II not gets promotion even after 10 years. In some factories the CM II gets promotion to CM I after 3 years. After merger who is senior , the CM I  of 3 years promoted CM II or 10 years service of CM II is a question. The CM I was  taken higher responsibilities after promotion from the grade of CM II. This is the fourth anomaly.
                                                            

As on date the OFB is not prepared the seniority lists of CM and JWMs .
It is pertinent to mention here that the erstwhile Foreman, who is predestinated as JWM are used to draw more basic pay than the AWM (Group A Officer). The AWM used to draw the basic pay of an Asst.Foreman. He used to be the Head of Section and is responsible and accountable for the production of his shop. Now this post pay brought under the AWMs basic pay. This is the fifth anomaly.
There is an impression that MOD desires to privitise the ordnance factories and encourage the private/public sectors. That’s why they announced so many committees to study and recommend the remedial actions. In that plan first demoralize the Supervisory cadre by reducing their functional posts and pay pockets. Here we are grateful to the present De fence Minister Mr.Anthony and state minister Mr.Pallam Raju for their assurances that they are for the existence of ordnance factories and not going to privitise  the organization.
As on date there is no proper duties and responsibilities for these supervisory cadre other than the last point of following the superiors instructions. It is unfortunate to note that there is accountability for any one in the organization from CM to GM. If required CM will be blamed for all production issues and others are not having any responsibilities other than taking their pay perks.
If the MOD desires to destroy the Supervisory cadre then we are not having any other option other than approaching the court oa law.
If really MOD desires to strengthen the Ordnance factories, then they have to strengthen the Supervisory cadre by permitting to continue the past 4 functional posts with the basic pay of rs.9300 with GP's of Rs.4600,4800,5400 and 6600. Until that no further recruitment in the organizations be ensured.
Awaiting your favorable instructions.

                                                                                                                                                       M.S.HARI
                                                 for Save Ordnance Factories.
Copy to
1.Hon’ble Minister of Defence, New Delhi
2.Chairman/OFB Kolkotta
                                                                              



Monday, July 9, 2012

Cadre Review of Supervisory Staff at OFB



T

To
The Chairman/DGOF
Ordnance Factory Board,
10 A SK Bose Road,
Kolkotta-700 001.

Sub:- Submitting Cadre Review proposals for middle management/Supervisory cadre -  Regarding.

R/Sir,

       The central executive committee of this association directed the undersigned  to bring the following suggestions for the cadre review/career progress of middle management cadre in ordnance factories to bring the old glory of the organization.

        The NDNGSA feels that the 6th pay commission has done injustice to the middle management/supervisory cadre. Pay Commission reduced the existing 4 grades functional posts in middle management/supervisory to 2 grades without any hierarchy which is being felt now in all the ordnance factories. The recommendation was felt as if there is  no GOVT industrial establishment.  

         Any GOVT/PSU/PRIVATE industrial establishment posses more than two supervisory cadre  for maintaining hierarchy as well as different level of supervision by which responsibility and accountability increase to the supervisory cadre. Keeping only two cadres there is a big problem of reporting to the same cadre which creates lack of commands upon juniors.

         NDNGSA proposing a two new posts in the supervisory cadre to meet the demand for smooth running of the organization, further these two posts will fulfill the vacuum created by the 6th CPC in the career prospects of the supervisory cadre, namely  SENIOR ENGINEER (SE) AND  SECTION MANAGER(SM). The Senior Engineer will execute the work as assisting to Assistant Section Manager in all the activities of section as then Assistant Foreman. The SECTION MANAGER  will function as Head of Section (HOS) and  like erstwhile Foreman to bring back the glorious period of ordnance factories like previous. The proposed   career progress, grade pays are furnished below with justification for your kind consideration at the earliest please.

Proposal for career prospects of Supervisory cadres.
Designation
Next promotion / Entry Level
Eligibility
Pay Scale
Remarks
    -
Junior Engineer/ Junior Superintend
Diploma or Degree in Engineering for Technical and Degree for Non Technical.
Rs 9300/- with grade Pay of 4200/-
a) promotion from Lower Grade ( Ratio to be fixed )
b) Direct Recruitment through OFB with Diploma/Degree and above qualification
( Ratio to be fixed)
JE/JS
Senior Engineer   ( T)/ Senior 
Superintend
Minimum 6 years of  Regular Service in the Grade of JE/JS
Rs 9300/- with grade Pay of 4600/-
100% promotion from JE/JS

SE/SS
Assistant Section Manager
a)Minimum 4 years of Regular Service in the grade of SE/SS
b) By direct recruitment through UPSC
Rs15600 with Grade of Rs5400/- in PB-3
a)60% promotion from SE/SS
b) 20% Direct Recruitment through UPSC with Degree/ Equivalent /above Degree qualification
c)20% through LDCE
ASM
Section Manager (HOS)
Minimum 5 years of Regular Service in the grade of Assistant Section Manager
Rs 15600 with Grade pay of 6600/-in PB-3
100% promotion from Assistant Section Manager
SM
DGM (G.O)
Minimum 6 years of Regular Service in the grade of SM
Rs 15600 with grade Pay of Rs 7600/- in PB-3
100% promotion from Section Manager
DGM
AGM (C.O)
Minimum 6 years of Regular Service in the grade of DGM
Rs 37400- 
67000   
in PB-4 with GP 8700/-
100% promotion from DGM
AGM
GM(H.O.D)
Minimum 4 years of Regular Service in the grade of AGM
Rs67000- 
79000 with GP 8700/-

100% promotion from AGM
GM
MEMBER
Minimum 4 years of Regular Service in the grade of GM
Rs67000- 
79000/-  with GP 10000/-
100% promotion from GM
MEMBER
DGOF
Minimum 2 years of Regular Service in the grade of GM
Rs75000-  80000/-

DGOF
-    
Minimum 2 years of Regular Service in the grade of MEMBER
Rs80,000/- fixed


 

a) JUSTIFICATION OF CHANGE OF NAME/DESN OF CHARGEMAN & For  creation of    SENIOR ENGINEER POST
    
        OFB is an Industry which is to deliver the defence goods as per the requirement projected by ARMY  by manufacture & assembling at various units spread all over INDIA and is purely comes under manufacturing sector. The role of middle management is very high, as any policy for implementation or any technology for development is being done by the middle management only. However the career growth of this cadre is comes to strand still in the last two decades and the morals of this cadre are going down on passing day by day as no ray of light is seen in any form till date.

        In case of  CSS a person entered in supervisory cadre is reaching to a level of SECRETARY within a time bound period and the same in state governments also.

       Similarly under the same Ministry Of Defence under R&D groups a person entered in supervisory cadre is reaching to a level of Scientist ”E” within a time bound period.

          On the other side in the same organization an Industrial Employees ( ITI & below ITI/Matriculate) are becoming JWMs which post require minimum entry qualification  Degree i.e. BE/Degree in science/Arts/Commerce (there are 100 of instances already  ), through promotion channel (SS-SK-HS-MCM-CM1-CM2-AF-JWM),

           A  technical employee (SS-SK-HS-MCM) having qualification less than diploma but having more than 15 years qualifying service in such a giant  industrial establishment as OFB can’t  be designated as an Engineer. It is not justified that only those who are having certificate of Diploma/Degree can be called an Engineer. It is nothing but to demoralize the people by designating as Supervisor, Chargeman, and Foreman, which is given by British system.

b) JUSTIFICATION FOR CHANGE NAME TO AWM & FOR CREATION OF SECTION MANAGER (SM) POST –

            It is relevant to mention that the senior most JWM of the section is working as head of section and other JWM are reporting to HOS. Previously it was the post of FOREMAN which was taking care of all the responsibility of production, maintenance, safety and quality of the whole section. Now also the JWM is functioning as head of section but without any financial benefit OR change of designation. More over the head of section (HOS) is answering all the production related matter in the production meeting chaired by head of the unit. In the recent times many newly posted AWMs still under probation are posted as DIVISIONAL OFFICERS of the section, which is creating a tussle between the senior most technically sound person & the junior most person having undergoing practical training under the well experienced and qualified senior most persons working as HEAD OF SECTIONS. Therefore it is proposed  to create  a post of SECTION MANAGER to make head of section in the factories to maintain the hierarchy and to remove the post of Divisional Manager as the same is to be covered under the head of section. The name of AWM id to be changed as ASM ie ASSISTANT SECTION MANAGER.


           It is relevant to mention that till 4th Central Pay Commission (1994) erstwhile Foreman which was an important post as a section head (now JWM) were granted higher basic pay than of a Direct Entry group A cadre. During that period a FM was bestowed with all financial benefits like OTA, NDA, BONUS and he worked wholeheartedly for the organization. During those periods there was a owner ship of Foreman towards the section by which he used spent more than the required time in the section for better productivity. In 1994 the cadre was re designated as JWM and all the financial benefits were slashed slowly resulting in demoralization. The comparative studies of pay scales of erstwhile Foreman and AWM (group A Entry) are furnished below.
  

                          Post
Pay Scale
2nd CPC
Pay Scale
3RDCPC
Pay Scale
4TH CPC
          Awm           
         (Group A)
355-480
700-1600
2200-4000
                Foreman/ JWM
450-580
840-1600
2375-3500
 
Therefore the cadre who sacrifices its whole service towards the organization should be placed in that height. It is justified that after gaining experience from our giant industrial organization as a supervisory cadre the SECTION MANAGERS should be placed at 6600 GP in PB III..


The entry grade of Group A (ASM) which is placed in PB III with GP of 5400 either through promotion from Senior Engineer Or Direct Recruitee or LDCE. The direct recruited youngster ASM & LDCE will be trained  in the organization well to suit the requirement and on need basis for better growth of the organization by the SECTION MANAGER and he may take care of administration of the section and give innovative ideas for modernization of the plant and machinery and RD activities with consultation with experienced SECTION MANAGER and put his study experience in to practical application.   It is the fact that when the entire cadre is involved in the only goal of productivity we forget about modernizations and R&D activities which is a most important factor for sustaining the organization for long periods. The newly recruited AWM will have better training under the leadership of most experienced SECTION MANAGERs. This will help for an SM to manage the whole factory when he became as General Manager in his future course of time.
  The LDCE for ASM should be either from JE or SE after completion of minimum 06 year of service with required qualification for direct recruit SM.



c)   Promotional aspects for SECTION MANAGER (HOS)
The most experienced SECTION MANAGER which is have highest experience in the section and posted as HOS should be promoted to DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER (DGM).Therefore the number of  posts at DGM in ordnance factory should be increased.  

d) JUSTIFICATION FOR Abolition of JT.GM  POST  . The functioning of this post is creating a lot of hurdles in smooth functioning of the section as the planning and all other activities will be carried out a section level and the same will be forwarded to G.O and then to C.O & then to GM. The role of Jt.GM is only for signature and his responsibility and in accountability in section activities is not measurable.

d) . D.O duties will be carried by HOS: the duties & responsibilities of HOS & DO are inter linked hence HOS will be the DO of the section and as well as HOS. The performance of the section will be increased in respect of the movement of the noting, reports etc.

e) . Allowances to the HOS: HOS in OF organization is a vital post as the achievement of target is fully dependent on the planning, developmental activities of the section. In this process of achievement target the HOS should have the qualities of leadership, motivation skills, tactfulness, training qualities, updating of latest technologies, able to  lead the entire team members of the section towards the achievement of the goal by executing the communications skills effectively. Hence it is proposed that HOS is to be paid at least 15% of the basic pay as Allowance. 

f) . Orderly Officer Duty: In OF  Organizations all  duties are  carrying with additional pay in the form allowances as in case of duties like over time duty, temporary duty, escort duty, night duty, risk duty, cash duty,  faculty duty  etc., but in case of orderly officer duty no allowance is paid till date even though the orderly officer duty involvers in high risk as the officer has to be present inside the factory & estate round the clock and it should be more vigilant in order to  take immediate remedial steps in the event of unforeseen situation. Hence, it is proposed to an amount of Rs.2000 as orderly officer allowance.


f)  PYRAMID STRUCTURE OF ORDNANCE FACTORY BOARD AND REPORTING CADRE WILL BE AS FOLLOWS-

DGOF

MEMBER

GM ( HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT)

AGM

DGM ( GROUP OFFICER)

SECTION MANAGER (TECH/NT) ( HOS)

ASSISTANT SECTION MANAGER

SENIOR ENGINEER/SUPERINTEND

JUNIOR ENGINEER/SUPERINTEND

NIES

INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES

















T


APPEAL

Dear Readers,
Please contribute articles for the development of Ordnance factories and the problems faced by the Employees. At the same time all JWMs are requested to send their problems/harassment met by them from the managements. They can contribute any corruption cases also for publication with authentic documents. M.S.HARI