Question : Irregularities in Procurement of Aircraft

(a) the details regarding irregularities in procurement/purchase of aircraft including Boeing 737 at exorbitant prices by Air India in connivance with the Ministry during 2004 and reasons for not taking any legal action in this scam;

(b) whether the Government proposes to investigate the matter again keeping in view the judgment given by Ontario court in Canada in which a paid agent of Canadian firm Cryptometrics and Officials holding top posts in the Ministry and Air India were found involved in disputed and unnecessary projects including biometric system undertaken by the Ministry during 2004 to 2008;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the losses incurred by Air India due to such disputed and unnecessary projects including biometric system undertaken by the Ministry during 2004 and 2008; and

(d) the details of the facts revealed in the book of former Executive Director of Air India in the said procurement scam?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a) & (b): Both cases are under investigation by the CBI. ;

(c): In the case of tender for Biometric face recognition system, the tender was not finalised and no tender was awarded by Air India.;

(d): No enquiry has been conducted on book of former Executive Director of Air India.