The government on Tuesday removed Avinash Chander, chief of the top defence research organisation, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), 15 months before his contract was to end.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the termination of the contract of Mr. Chander with effect from January 31, an official notification said.
Interestingly, Mr. Chander who was Secretary-cum-Director General, DRDO and Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, retired on November 30 last on attaining 64 years and was given a contract for 18 months till May 31 next year.
The removal of Mr. Chander after being given a contract raises questions over the government action.
Analysts believe that the action could have been taken against the backdrop of Mr. Modi’s comment during a visit last year that the ‘laid back’ attitude in the DRDO would not be tolerated.
Mr. Chander could not be contacted for any response. He is the chief architect of the Agni series of the ballistic missile systems.
DRDO officials lauded him for the development of the Agni range of missiles under highly-restrictive international control regimes.
