Agreeing with Defence Minister A K Antony, Gen V K Singh on Tuesday said the controversy over his age was the making of the Army.

He also rejected suggestions that there has been a delay on part of Army to respond to Defence Ministry's latest letter on his age issue saying everything does not happen "with the press of a button".

Gen Singh said the Defence Minister was "right" in saying that the Army was responsible for the controversy over his age issue.

"Absolutely, it is within the Army. After 36 years, you suddenly decide to come up with an issue. There is something wrong with it," the Army Chief told reporters here.

He was asked to comment on Defence Minister's statement made earlier this morning and if the 'original sin' on the issue was committed within the force.

"Yes, it is a problem in the Army... he is right. There is no doubt about that," he added.

The Army Chief said steps have been taken to ensure that such a controversy never recurs in future.

Gen Singh was asked about the Adjutant General's (AG) branch of the Army yet to respond to the January 23 letter of the Defence Ministry, directing it to change the date of birth record from May 10, 1951 to May 10, 1950.

"We should not see that it happened early or late. I think there is no other point of view in this matter," the Army Chief said.

The AG's branch, which is the official record keeper in the service, has maintained Gen Singh's date of birth as May 10, 1951, although the Military Secretary's branch records it as May 10, 1950.

Gen Singh has been maintaining that his actual date of birth is May 10, 1951 and has filed a petition in the Supreme Court to seek a direction on this issue.

When asked about the particular letter, Defence Minister A K Antony said "it was part of the ongoing process and there was nothing unusual about it." 

also see: 

http://www.governancenow.com/news/regular-story/antony-blames-army-chiefs-age-row