Corruption in Defence - Addl Inputs

Below are the key issues, root causes and solutions for corruption in defence sector. Kindly review and if you have any additional specific solutions inputs, please share.

We will be soon sharing this whitepaper with the Chief Vigilance Commissioner, Minister of Defence and other related stakeholders.

We look forward to your inputs!
Transparency International India

Corruption in Defence – Solutions

1. The agents in defence sector should be weeded out through transparent processes, systems and monitoring
2. The entire defence contracting system should be digitised and human intervention should be minimised
3. Strict rules should be made to not accept application or give contracts through agents
4. Vendor qualification should be made systems driven and conducted by external agencies or groups rather than individuals
5. Vendor payment system should also be computerized
6. Specific quality standards should be set for buying spares
7. Defence sector should be restructured and modernization should be brought in
8. The coordination between the Government, armed forces and defence labs should be improved
9. The private sector should be given more opportunities to contribute toward the defence sector
10. Political interference should be minimized in defence deals
11. Soldiers should be given a forum where they could ask question to their seniors
12. Laws against corruption in defence should be tightened and the corrupt should be strictly reprimanded
13. A committee/phone line, local circle should be created where people could report corruption cases anonymously
14. Individuals/companies caught indulging in corrupt practices should be blacklisted
15. Independent audit systems should be implemented
16. Officers should be strictly instructed not to use soldiers for their personal work.

Corruption in Defence – Root Causes

1. Lack of long term planning
2. Defence sector has not been restructured in recent years
3. Lack of coordination between government, armed services and defence labs
4. Not enough opportunities given to the private sector to contribute
5. Politicians try to make money for themselves in every defence deal
6. Soldiers don’t dare to question the order of a superior
7. Agents are mostly well connected with the lobbyists, senior officers and politicians
8. Most of the work still takes place on files and papers
9. There is a chance of making more commission on imported defence products
10. Laws against such corruption are weak
11. Servicemen are scared to raise their voice
12. Culprits involved in past are not given strict punishments.

Corruption in Defence - Key Issues

1. Soldiers are made to work and the bills are made on the name of the contractor
2. Agents thrive in the defence sector
3. Big commissions are given to get contracts passed
4. Inferior quality spare parts are purchased so that more money can be pocketed
5. Many purchase tenders are awarded without public declaration about its details
6. Indian made defence products are rejected and costly imports are pushed for
7. Many defence purchases act as the main source of funds for the ruling party
8. Vendor payments get cleared faster if you are ready to pay bribes. more