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Title: Regarding alleged violation of the guidelines governing use of VIP/VVIP
flights of Air Force in December 2003.
MR. SPEAKER: Shri Varkala Radhakrishnan – not present. Shri Basu Deb Acharia may speak.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA (BANKURA): Sir, six weeks before, the Tehelka Commission submitted its Report.
The Chairman of the Commission alongwith his Members and the lawyers went on a trip to Pune, Ahmednagar, Shirdi and Mumbai in an Air Force aircraft. There are guidelines meant for the use of aircraft of the Indian Air Force by VIPs and VVIPs. Some lawyers of the Commission were also taken on the junket on a special chartered VIP aircraft of the Indian Air Force[bru13] .
They travelled all these places. The reason that was given for this trip was they wanted to familiarise with the weapon system. One of the places they visited was Sydney. I do not know how they can familiarise with the weapon system by visiting a place like Sydney. They also accepted the hospitality of the Ministry of Defence. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: We are only on the violation of the guidelines, not on hospitality.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : When they were inquiring into the purchase of weapons … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Please do not refer to that. You can ask whether there are any permitted guidelines for the use of Air Force aircraft.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : Sir, there are guidelines for the use of Air Force aircraft. I would like to know — the Defence Minister is present here — whether the guidelines have been violated. How was the Chairman of the Tehelka Commission was allowed to use the VVIP aircraft, which is used by the Prime Minister and the President? They were allowed to use that aircraft. I would like to know whether the Ministry of Defence or the Minister of Defence gave them permission to use the Air Force aircraft. I would also like to know whether it has violated the guidelines. If it has violated the guidelines, what action was taken by the Ministry of Defence with regard to this?
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA (BANKURA) : I have raised a very important issue. The Defence Minister is here. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: This practice will not continue. That depends on him.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : But the Minister is here. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: I cannot force any hon. Minister to respond.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : As he is here, he can respond.
MR. SPEAKER: It is entirely for him to respond. I cannot ask him.
… (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Just a minute!
THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE): I will surely ascertain the facts and I will inform the House.
