Tag Archives: Mr Chander

Drdo

‘Sacking Not a Good Word to Hear After 42 Years’, India’s Agni Man Says

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http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/sacking-not-a-good-word-to-hear-after-42-years-india-s-agni-man-says/355104

Top scientist Avinash Chander, who was recently ousted as chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation or DRDO has said the termination of his contract was “totally unexpected” and that he was taken by “surprise” by the swift move of the government. “Sacking is not a good word to hear after 42 years of service,” Mr Chander told NDTV, also saying that Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was well within his rights to choose his team. The minister had said the government wanted younger scientists on the team.

 

Drdo

DRDO Chief and Architect of Agni Missiles Avinash Chander Sacked

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NDTV-All India | Press Trust of India | Updated: January 13, 2015 21:50 IST

NEW DELHI: The government today removed the chief of the Defence Research and Development 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, Mr 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 year after he turned 64. He was given a contract for 18 months till May 31 next year.

Efforts to contact Mr Chander did not fructify as he did not answer the calls made on his phone.

Mr Chander joined the DRDO in 1972 after completing his graduation in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.

He is considered to be the chief architect of Agni series of ballistic missile systems.

Development of the Agni range of missiles under a highly-restrictive international control regime was possible only due to his technology forecast, perspective planning and relentless efforts, DRDO officials said.