The newly-appointed Chairman of Uttarakhand Purva Sainik Kalyan Nigam limited (UPNl) lieutenant General Gambhir Singh Negi (Rtd) has said that he would ensure that UPNl fulfils the objective with which it was constituted.
The decision to hand over the reins of UPNl to lt General Negi was taken by the State Government on Monday. His appointment assumes significance as the UPNl was facing much flak for charges of nepotism and corruption. When contacted by The Pioneer, lt General Negi said that he would try his best to fulfil the confidence reposed upon him by the State Government.
He added that he would initially understand the functioning of UPNl. On the question of the charges of corruption and irregularities in UPNl, lt General Negi said that he would try to assess everything before making a comment.
He said the concern over the newspaper reports that many non-armed forces personnel are able to get jobs under UPNl, he met the senior officials some time ago and inquired about the matter.
“I was told that there is a clause in the mandate of UPNl which permits appointment of candidates other than ex servicemen and their kin if they do not possess the required qualification”, he said.
Commissioned into famous third Battalion of Gorkha Rifles (3/3 GR) in the year 1965, lt Gen Negi is a highly decorated soldier with Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
He has served as the Colonel of Three Gorkha Rifles also. He served as commandant of the prestigious Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Commandant of Infantry School Mhow. Post retirement he served as chairman of the Uttarakhand Public Service Commission.