BENGALURU:The decision of the Indian Navy to drop the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) — Naval version, attracted criticism from former chief of Defence Research and Development Organisation and NITI Ayog member V K Saraswat.
He said that such a decision by the Navy would send bad signals. “People who are at the helm of affairs are bad-mouthing institutions which are doing a wonderful job in the sector. Is this the approach to achieve self-reliance?” he asked. Self-reliance, he said, could not be achieved without conviction and faith on our own capabilities. Till then, the number of aero shows that take place will be irrelevant towards pushing India’s defence sector, he added.
Poor understanding
Speaking at a seminar organised as part of Aero India 2017, he stressed that decisions like dropping LCA were made without proper understanding. Without faith, India cannot achieve self-reliance, he said. The remarks by Saraswat came after the statement made by Admiral Sunil Lamba, Chief of Naval Staff. He had batted for procurement of Saab’s Gripen or Lockheed Martin’s F-18 for the Indian Navy, rather than the Naval version of LCA.
Traffic diversions for ‘Make in Karnataka’ conference
In connection with Make in India — Make in Karnataka conference which will be held at The Lalit Ashok Hotel on Monday and Tuesday, the city traffic police have notified alternative routes for buses plying on Kumara Krupa Road and also made parking arrangements for the participants. A press release stated that traffic congestion is expected on Kumara Krupa Road and urged motorists to use alternative routes. Buses from Maurya Circle and Anand Rao Circle going towards Windsor Manor should move straight at Race View Junction on Race Course Road-Trilight Junction-Basaveswara Circle-Old High Grounds Junction-T Chowdaiah Road-Windsor Manor and move further ahead. Buses coming from P G Halli and going towards Shivananda Circle should move towards Old High Grounds Junction-LRDE Junction-Basaveswara Circle-Race Course Road and further ahead. Participants can park their vehicles at Kumara Krupa Guest House, Cresent Road and at Golf Club.