NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, JULY 31
Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt informed the Rajya Sabha on July 26 that there is no proposal of privatization of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).
In a written reply to Rajya Sabha member Elamaram Kareem, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt said, “There is no proposal of privatization of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) under the administrative control of Department of Defence Production. However, to enhance functional autonomy, efficiency and unleash new growth potential and innovation in Ordnance Factories, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in its meeting held on 16.06.2021, has approved to convert the production units of OFB into 07 DPSUs.”
Creating necessary infrastructure on the borders
Bhatt further informed the House that the BRO is creating necessary infrastructure on the borders.
In a written reply to Rajya Sabha member Naresh Bansal, Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt said, “The Government is fully seized of the security needs of the country and reviews the same from time to time. Required measures, including development of infrastructure like construction of roads, tunnels and strategic railway lines are taken to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of India. As per the operational requirement of Armed Forces and the need for development along border areas, road construction is taken up by Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
“Amongst these, 73 critical roads have been designated as Indo-China Border Roads of 4203 kilometers length and are being accorded highest priority with dedicated funding. Further, to ensure all weather connectivity to far flung areas, construction of tunnels has also been undertaken across passes. Currently, construction of four tunnels is underway,” Bhatt added.
Infrastructure development in Uttarakhand is being holistically executed with budgetary support from Ministry of Defence, MHA, State PWD and Central projects like Bharatmala and Chardham. As on 26 July, 21 roads with a length of approximately 800 kilometers are being constructed/upgraded by BRO over and above certain roads being constructed by State PWD.
