By Hemant Kumar Rout | Express News Service | Published: 07th January 2017 BHUBANESWAR: India’s own cruise missile project Nirbhay has got an extension of 18 months amid speculations over the weapon system’s operational capabilities. Launched in 2004, the projected date of completion for the prestigious project was December 31 last.
At a recent review meeting, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar gave green signal for the extension. Ministry of Defence sources said the Nirbhay team has been asked to deliver their best by June, 2018.
Under developmental trial since 2013, the missile is yet to perform as per the expectations. Of four tests in as many years, the indigenously developed weapon had failed three times though it could cover the intended range once in 2014.
Meanwhile, an independent technical committee has been formed to identify faults in the system that led to failure of the missile during its fourth trial on December 21.
The probe committee led by founder director of ISRO Inertial Systems Unit Dr Nagarajan Vedachalam will not only ascertain the faults but also recommend possible measures to make the system robust.
Like in its maiden trial and third test, the missile had veered off the trajectory minutes after take off during the last launch and the mission had to be aborted mid-air.
An official associated with the project, however, informed that the blame game between two laboratories of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) cost the project more than the faults in the system.
While Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), which has designed the missile, has been blaming Research Centre Imarat (RCI) for supplying defective hardware, the latter points fingers at ADE-developed software for recurring failure of the missile.
‘’The probe committee will ascertain which is defective, the software or hardware. It may also inspect metallurgical deficiencies,’’ the sources said.
Having a strike range of around 1,000 km, Nirbhay is first homegrown subsonic cruise missile project. According to DRDO, the missile can challenge weapons of its class.
Nirbhay blasts off like a rocket and unlike a missile, it turns into a vehicle akin an aircraft. Flying at tree-top level, it can deceive enemy radars making it difficult to be detected. Unlike other ballistic missiles, this cruise missile has wings and distinct tail fins. After reaching near the target area, it can hover around, hitting at its will from any direction.
Nirbhay is the country’s first indigenously built long-range sub-sonic cruise missile | EPS
By Hemant Kumar Rout | Express News Service | Published: 23rd December 2016
BHUBANESWAR: Once a pride for Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India’s own cruise missile project Nirbhay is on the verge of closure.
A highly placed source told ‘The New Indian Express’ that the project is likely to be closed as the missile has failed to deliver desired results even 12 years after the project was launched. A review of the project will be conducted shortly.
Nirbhay is the country’s first indigenously built long-range sub-sonic cruise missile which can be compared with America’s Tomahawk in terms of its capability. Designed by Bengaluru-based Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), the missile was designed to fly at different altitudes ranging from 500 meters to four km.
Launched in 2004 at a cost of Rs 48 crore, the projected date of completion (PDC) for the prestigious project was December 31, 2016. However, under trial since 2013, the missile is yet to perform as expected after four attempts in the last four years.
The project has been plagued with difficulties as the scientists are still struggling to fix the problems in the flight control software and navigation system while some others point fingers at the hardware.
While the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) blamed ADE-developed software, ADE was pointing towards the defective hardware supplied by RCI. “However, it could not be ascertained which is defective, whether the software or hardware, but Nirbhay missile failed in its fourth attempt,” an insider said.
There has been problem with the control software since beginning. The RCI had developed navigational hardware for their applications and it was adopted by ADE for Nirbhay. There are always differences between ADE and RCI regarding its functional efficacy, the source claimed.
Defence experts have raised questions on the requirement of such a subsonic missile, which can cruise at a speed of 0.8 Mach, when supersonic cruise missile BrahMos, developed jointly with Russia, is already inducted in the armed forces.
BrahMos, which flies at a speed of Mach 3, has a strike range of 290 km. Though Nirbhay can strike targets 1,000 km away, with India joining the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), it can now develop long range cruise missiles as joint ventures.
While initially the expected cost of ‘Nirbhay’ was around Rs 10 crore per piece, DRDO has so far spent more than Rs 100 crore on R&D and trials.
DRDO Chief Selvin Christopher and Project Director of Nirbhay Vasanth Sastri did not respond to the calls and queries from ‘The New Indian Express’. Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister G Satheesh Reddy, however, said he is unaware of any such move.
HYDERABAD, SEP 14.: BHVS Narayana Murthy, an expert in Avionics has been appointed as Director, Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), Hyderabad.
During the past three decades he has made contributions towards design, development and delivery of onboard computers, Missile launch processors, real-time mission software etc
He is an alumni of NIT, Warangal. For his contributions to various defence R&D projects, he won several awards and recognitions. The Astronautical Society of India Rocket and Related Technologies Award, AGNI Award for Excellence in Self Reliance as a team Leader, DRDO Scientist of the Year Award being some of them.
The RCI is a premier DRDO laboratory of APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex spearheading the design, development and delivery of state-of-the-art Avionics Systems for entire Indian missile development programmes.
The Avionics Systems (Onboard computers, Navigation, Control) developed under the leadership of Narayana Murthy has played a key role in the success of the Indian ICBM class Agni 5 and other missions, said a DRDO press release.
To 27th April 2015 Hon’ble Shri Manohar Parrikar, Defence Minister,Room No -104, South Block, New Delhi-110011
SUBJECT: DEFENCE SECRET IN DANGER, DIRECTOR, DRL, DRDO TEZPUR’s DIRECTOR SECRETARIAT MANAGED BY CONTRACTUAL LABOUR AS PERSONNEL SECRETARY
Sir, Yesterday (26th April 2015) The Sunday Standard first page news was “Defence Secret is in Danger”
In this reference, DRDO having lot of examples, DRDO is only one department where you can find contractual manpower above age of 70 or below 18 years. People may be think that because of their high skill expertise DRDO might been engage such manpower, but matter of fact this practice adopted DRDO is only for those who are having good number of secrets or having evidences of wrong doings of DRDO bosses.
In ASL you will find people working since last more than 10 years after retirements, scientists, Technical Officers, who are experts in manpower/ logistic manipulations while missile firing, even JCDA retired account officer etc who are expertise in bill clearance from CDA. These specialized contractual having good assets that can be verified by agencies.
One major observation on these contract appointments is the not following the proper police verification.
ACEM, Nasik campus one murder was done by a contract’s man who has criminal records.
HEMRL GOCO contract labor business, the police verification was done on single list basis one stamp of Thana solved the problem and best part of this these hundreds of contract labours handle the high class explosive TATB.
For example in ADE, DRDO. Bangalore more than 170 B.Tech contract employees are working in core area for mare Rs 12000 and same time scientists who are getting hefty salaries Rs 80000 to 1.5 Lakhs are looking stores /admin /horticulture /works / security /Library etc
This Mail received by website www.corruptioninddo.com on Thu, 30 Oct 2014 01:19:10 IP: 49.206.192.222
HELLO SIR
all of us know about DRDL it is a dream job org to every one. but please think about contract employees. My husband is also working in DRDO RCI he is engineering graduate. From past 2 years he is working but he is getting 14k. how we can Liv with family in Hyderabad and this year no increments… we are not dreaming about permanent job….. my small wish is to get better pay… for the same job a permanent employee getting nearly 4ok but contract employee getting only 12+.but work is same for both. am not asking to give 4o to contract people just i want to say please provide increments at least…this is not only my wish… i hope u can think & talk about this……….
if i made any mistake please excuse me….. Defence Minister Sir, hope you will take this above mail seriously
Following one example case of DRL, DRDO, Tezpur for your sharp analysis of this DRDO’s contract business.
Sh.M.L. Roy is an ex-employee of Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Tezpur who superannuated on 31 Dec 2008
He was posted at Director Secretariat as Personal Assistant/Personal Secretary to Director, DRL, Tezpur prior to his superannuation from DRL, Tezpur.
Right from his superannuation on 31 Dec 2008, he was start working at DRL, Tezpur as contractual Laborer and posted at Director He is engaged in all sensitive work like computerized compiling of materials in Director’s Office, monitoring and maintenance of important files of Director Office which has already been mentioned in his contract.
Since last 7 years continuously working in DRL, Tezpur as Personal Secretary (PS) to Director, DRL, and Tezpur by means of several private vendors / supplier/security agencies.
M.L. Roy is presently of 65 +years age and not fit for this job as in this sensitive post any private contractual labour should not be appointed while several young skilled manpower is available in DRL, Tezpur.
DRL, Tezpur having permanent staff Sh S K Sharma as PS ‘C’ but he was not assigned the right job.
Interestingly Sh M L Roy working for Rs 5000 – Rs 6000 only as Jan 2015 Salary was Rs 5764.00
Sh M L Roy working as mole for vendors, each and every file of procurements / recruitments/ transfer postings/temporary duties etc. moves from Director’s office.
Sir, it is requested kindly order for extensive survey of to explore the necessity of this contract business in DRDO. Because like Director, DEAL Sh R C Agarwal used these contract labour for kitchen gardening, to clean utensils, to wash his wife’s petticoats etc, when this issue published on website Sh R C Agarwal stopped using these labours. This British legacy are maintaining by DRDO directors and senior officers. I am enclosing two photographs of a contract labour is busy to wash his boss personal car in DRL, Tezpur campus
To, 2nd April 2014
Dr. RB Sharma, CPIO
DRDO HQ, Min. of Defence
DRDO Bhawan, Rajaji Marg
New Delhi-110011
Hello,
Kindly provide me with the following information requested under the purview of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in respect of Shri ANSHUMAN BIKRAM SINGH, Scientist C Son of Sh R B Singh, Chairman, CEPTAM, DRDO, New Delhi. Shri ANSHUMAN BIKRAM SINGH was joined as Scientist B in 2008.
Please provide the education qualification of Shri ANSHUMAN BIKRAM SINGH whether it is B-Tech Computer Science engineering or B-Tech – IT or any other discipline.
Name of Institute and year of passing.
The name of post holding by Sh R B Singh in 2007 – 2008.
Whether the vacancy was projected by RCI, Hyderabad for which Shri ANSHUMAN BIKRAM SINGH was selected Yes/ No
If yes, then the copy of recommendation of competent authority for posting Shri ANSHUMAN BIKRAM SINGH in ISSA, Delhi.
Note : Matter is directly related to corruption and not exempted under Section 24 (1)
Regards
Prabhu Dandriyal,
21-Sunderwala, Raipur, Dehradun -248008
phone 0135 -2787750 Mobile 0911114879
e-mail id – prabhudoon@gmail.com website -www.corruptionindrdo.com
To 6th February 2014
Central Vigilance Commissioner,
Central Vigilance Commission,
Satarkta Bhawan, A- Block, GPO Complex, INA,
New Delhi-110023
SUBJECT : Purchasing of Laboratory Microprocessor Based Programmable High Temperature Furnace at Exorbitant Price
Sir,
Sh.Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Scientist ‘C’ raised a demand of Laboratory Microprocessor Based Programmable High Temperature Furnace vide Demand No. DMSRDE/13552009 dated 30 August 2012.
SPC date 13th September 2012
DRDO Hqrs approval 1st October 2012
Tender Date 1st October 2012 (see the efficiency)
Limited tender enquiries will be issued to vendors registered with R&D Labs/Estts, DGS&D, NSIC, other Government departments and to the firms of national repute who will be registered before their bid is considered as per Para 3.2.2. Such tenders may also be invited from the Government designated agencies. While inviting limited tender enquiries, due care will be observed in selecting vendors, especially in the case of traders who are not the actual manufacturers/authorized agent, to ensure better after sale service. (Rule 7.6.1 PM 2006)
Seven firms were mentioned in demand to which tender enquiries were sent. Out of these Modern Scientific Centre, Kanpur, Dhankar Enterprises, Kanpur, Manglam Traders, Kanpur, Scientific Aid and Omega Furnace Industries, Banglore were registered in July 2013 at DMSRDE.
In this case two firms Dev Industrial Enterprises, Mumbai and Inschem, Lucknow are non-registered firms.
As per PM 2006 Rule 7.6.1 “Limited tender enquiries will be issued to vendors registered with R&D Labs/Estts, DGS&D, NSIC, other Government departments and to the firms of national repute who will be registered before their bid is considered as per Para 3.2.2. Such tenders may also be invited from the Government designated agencies. While inviting limited tender enquiries, due care will be observed in selecting vendors, especially in the case of traders who are not the actual manufacturers/authorized agent, to ensure better after sale service”.
Dhankar Enterprises is not registered for Scientific Equipment/Instruments at Commercial Tax Department, Uttar Pradesh then how tender inquiry was sent to Dhankar Enterprises. Copy of registration enclosed.
TEC was done on 6th December 2012
TPC was done on 16th Jan 2013
Supply was made on 27 Sept 2013 while in demand the delivery period was 3 months from date of supply order but SO was placed on 26 Feb 2013 that is delivery was made after 7 months (27 Sept 2013 – 26 Feb 2013 = 7 Months)
No VAT /Tax was claimed in SO as basic cost of item was 1681500.00 only.
Actual cost of item is Rs. 560000 + VAT 5.5% (560000*5.5% = 30800) . Thus total cost is 590800. But SO was placed for Rs. 1681500.00. Hence item was purchased at very high price and commission of Rs. 1681500 – 590800 = 1090700.00 was made by Dr. AK Saxena, Director, DMSRDE, Kanpur. (Omega Furnace Industries, Banglore’s quotation for same specification furnace is enclosed for ready reference)
Stores Received on 27thSeptember 2013 vide RIN No 14LP0149
M/s Manglam Traders come in front and a review TPC was done, under Chairmanship of Dr. Sarfaraz Alam, Sc’G’
Para twoof review TPC “Now, the firm M/s Omega Furnace Industries, Bangalore has intimated that billing and supply of stores will be done by their local dealer M/s Manglam Traders, Kanpur, vide letter of even no dated September 24, 2013”
Para three of review TPC “The finance rep told that the stores have been supplied by M/s Manglam Traders, Kanpur. Hence, the payment may be made to M/s Manglam Traders, Kanpur” Para fourof review TPC
“ In view of aforesaid TPC recommends the following
Supply Order was placed to Omega Furnace Industries but by review TPC payment was made to Manglam Traders. This totally against Purchase Management 2006 rule of DRDO
In view of above details, it is clear Violation of Purchase Management 2006 Rule 7.15(a) Constitution of TPC/NC, it is requested that registered the complaint against Dr A K Saxena, Director, DMSRDE and his blind followers who are mishandling the government funds for their own vested interest. A thorough investigation is needed to explore the relation between Dr A K Saxena, Director, DMSRDE and M/s Manglam Traders, Kanpur. It may be reveal crores of crores rupees scam in DMSRDE and RCI, DRDO.
Prabhu Dandriyal
21-Sunderwal, Raipur, Dehradun -248008
0135-2787750 – 91-9411114879
prabhudoon@gmail.com, www.corruptionindrdo.com
Encloser :
1. Copy of registration of Dhankar Enterprises, Kanpur
2. Brief facts of procurement of Laboratory Microprocessor Based Programmable High Temperature .Furnace
3. Omega Furnace Industries, Banglore’s quotation for same specification furnace
Copy of registration of Dhankar Enterprises, Kanpur Brief facts of procurement of Laboratory Microprocessor Based Programmable High Temperature .Furnace
To, 3rd February 2014Dr. RB Sharma, CPIO,DRDO HQ, Min. of Defence,DRDO Bhawan, Rajaji Marg,New Delhi-110011
Hello,
Kindly provide me with the following information requested under the purview of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in respect to your RTI reply RTI/01/2091/P/2013/0387 dated 27th December 2013 regarding on acquiring higher qualification by DRDO officials at their own. As per details provide by DRDO RTI cell the following DRDO official acquired their qualification from Jawharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad. The website of Jawharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad stated in their website that “ the school was offering B.Tech correspondence – cum – contact programme (CCC) from 1983 to 2009. Keeping in view of the ACITE guidelines for B.Tech (CCC) has been suspended since 2010.”
Refer to DOP&T O.M. No. 1/2/89 – Estt. (Pay-I) dated 9-4-1999 para -3
“The qualifications meriting grant of incentive should be recognised by the All India Council for Technical Education, Department of Electronics, Deemed University, University or recognised by the Government”
Sh. Siyaram, STA ‘B’ RCI acquired B Tech Mech Engg in 1 June 2010 from JNTU, Hyderabad
Shri A Venkateshwara Rao, STA ‘B’ DRDL, acquired B Tech Mech Engg in 1 August 2010 from JNTU, Hyderabad
Sh. G Venkatesh STA ‘, DMRL acquired B Tech Civil Engg in 7 March 2012 from JNTU, Hyderabad
Sh. B Baludu, TO’A’ RCI, acquired B Tech Mech. Engg in 7 March 2012 from JNTU, Hyderabad
In respect of above please provide following information.
The certified copy of verification before approving lump sum grant of incentive to above officials.
Certified copy of recommendation for lump sum grant of incentive received by competent authority from their respective establishments.
Copy of DRDO’s procedure followed for verification of Degree’s/Diploma/M.Sc/ Ph D
Note : Matter is directly related to corruption and not exempted under Section 24 (1)
Meanwhile, an independent technical committee has been formed to identify faults in the system that led to failure of the missile during its fourth trial on December 21.
