Anomalies in Pay Comn recommendations: Naval Chief

Kochi, Apr 3 (UNI) Expressing concern over the Pay Commission recommendations, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta today said the anomalies would be taken up with the Union Finance Ministry soon.

Addressing a gathering at the investiture ceremony at the Naval Base here, Admiral Mehta said ''while the recommendations will be largely beneficial to all, certain anomalies exist which are peculiar to the working atmosphere in the Services, for which the issue will be taken up after deliberations with the Finance Ministry in the next couple of weeks.'' On the extent of upgradation of Indian Navy, Admiral Mehta said ''33 ships and six submarines are under construction in various shipyards in India besides the 'Vikramaditya' (Aircraft Carrier) and ships of the Talwar class being built in Russia.'' '' Large scale induction in aviation is also on the cards with negotiations for the Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft in the final stages, while the MIG 29 and Helicopters are also expected soon,'' he noted.

With the economic development and growth in GDP, the trade over the seas, which played a major role in the nations' development, added to the Navy's responsibilities and hence the need for new inductions, Admiral Mehta said.

Admiral Mehta also appreciated the Southern Naval Command in imparting quality training for optimal exploitation of the advanced technology being implemented in the Navy and stated that the Navy's training is on firm-footing.

Admiral Mehta presented awards to naval personnel, who had been decorated on Republic Day 2008, which included five Nao Sena Medals (NM) for 'Gallantry ' for acts of exceptional courage, 10 Nao Sena Medals for 'Devotion to Duty', 18 Vishist Seva Medals (VSM) and one Jeevan Raksha Padak, besides two Gold medals and three unit citations.

Among the Gallantry Award winners were Lt Cdr Nitin Gupta, Lt PR Jagan Mohan and Sudhir Singh ME -I, Lt Cdr Mohit Gupta and RS Bani, Petty Officer (Clearance Diver).

Admiral Mehta inspected a 50-man Guard of Honour along with the President's Colours and 36 Platoons including Cadets from the first Training Squadron and the Naval Band.

Southern Naval Command Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief VAdm Sunil K Damle among others were present on the occasion.

UNI MA SJ RL RN1629