Indiatoday.in PTI New Delhi, January 13, 2015 | UPDATED 21:48 IST The government on Tuesday removed Chief of top defence research organisation Avinash Chander, 15 months before his contract was to end.
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi “approved the termination” of the contract of Avinash Chander with effect from January 31, an official notification said.
Interestingly, Chander who was Secretary, Defence Research and Development cum Director General, DRDO and Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister, had retired on November 30 last on attaining 64 years of age and he was given a contract for 18 months till May 31 next year.
The removal of Chander after being given a contract raises questions over the Government action.
Analysts believe that the action could have been taken against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comment that the ‘laid back’ attitude in the DRDO will not be tolerated during a visit last year.
Efforts to contact Chander did not fructify as he did not answer the calls made on his phone.
Chander joined DRDO in 1972 after completing graduation in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi.
Chander is the chief architect of Agni series of ballistic missile systems.
Development of Agni range of missiles under a highly-restrictive international control regimes was possible only out of his technology forecast, perspective planning and relentless efforts, DRDO officials said.
Kaushik says
Block mark for DRDO, Chief is sacked Never happened to DRDO so far
Many culprit / bogus directors are sitting in DRDO like AK Singh by carrying bags of seniors reached director post, they to be removed immediately
Other DGs and CCs are their service also to be terminated, they are under II extension. PM / Def Mins should take action
Vinay kumar Mittal says
DRDO is now retirement home for many of these half cooked scientists at senior positions. These fellows have ruined DRDO and they must be held accountable for thier actions.
Dr/ Devenda umar Kaushik says
It is a very illogical move. It will demoralize senior scientists. It speaks power intoxication of the ministers. t will bring disaster.
admin says
It is perfect move of government that corruption/nepotism/favoritism is now not tolerated, whether scientists or bureaucrats. And Avinash chander shows his expertise in all three qualities ASL Hyderabad was witnessed or suffered by his acts and deed along with rest of DRDO. Ms Tessy Thamas and her husband case is clear and loud massage to DRDO that Avinash Chander is icon of favoritism.