Def Min seeks report from IAF on farewell party for officer

The Defence Ministry has sought a report from the Air Force about a farewell party hosted in the honour of one of its top officers recently which was attended by a large number of arms vendors.

The private party was organised in the honour of the official on June 7, sources said here. The top official retired on June 30.

Rules prohibit a serving officer from attending any party organised by a private person in his honour without consent of the government.

As per the rules pertaining to the code of conduct of officials, "No Government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the Government, receive any complimentary or valedictory address or accept any testimonial or attend any meeting or entertainment held in his honour; or in the honour of any other Government servant."

IAF officials said they would not comment on the matter as it was being dealt with by the Defence Ministry.

In view of scams such as the chopper scam, the Defence Ministry also keeps issuing advisories to its officials and the Services against officers hobnobbing with arms vendors in order to maintain transparency and probity in defence deals.