Air Vice Marshal Biman Kantha Mukherjee was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of the Air Force in January, 1950. In May, 1978, he was posted as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer at Headquarters Eastern Air Command. With his post graduate qualifications in Aeronautical Engineering from Institute of Technology Cranfield, Material Management Training at Administrative Staff College, Hyderabad,

Management Course at Indian Institute of Defence Management and Work Study Course at Work Study Institute, Mussorie, Air Vice Marshal Mukherjee has AVSM 1980-81 acquired high professional and Managerial competence. Endowed with these capabilities, he brought about, within a short time, all­round improvement in the maintenance activities at the Command. The insufficient serviceability of ageing aircraft, like Caribou, Dakota- Otter, Gnat and Hunter, had been causing great concern as it had considerably hampered the Maintenance and Training tasks. Even comparatively new aircraft like MiG, Avro, Chetak, Cheetah and Mi-8 were not having the desired serviceability mainly because of shortage of spares and the inadequate supply line. Through his dedicated efforts and close liaison with Air Headquarters, Maintenance Command, Equipment and Base Repair Depots and by judicious use of every available cross country flight for quick transportation of spares, he achieved high serviceability of all types of aircraft within a short period and ensured that this achievement was sustained.

With his considerable Management background, he took up the inventory control problem faced by the units, organised a thorough scrutiny of all inventories, back loading of non­moving items, weekly review of fast moving items and made the inventories small and purposeful without, in any way, affecting the serviceability of the aircraft. His other major contribution was in the field of Flight Safety. Certain aircraft like Dakota, Caribou, MiG and Chetak were having serious premature engine withdrawal problems. He introduced a system of thorough analysis of defects of repetitive nature, and not only arranged prompt defect investigation by repair agencies but also invited experts, from HAL/BRDs for on the spot discussions and guidance to operating units. Seminars on POL Quality Control with the participation by top management and experts from IOC were organised at different Units to improve Flight Safety consciousness all around.

Despite large scale disturbances, road picketing and total dislocation of supplies during 1979-80 in the Eastern Sector, he formulated his plans in advance and ensured adequate supply of fuel at all the Stations for normal flying and rations, clothing and other items of daily use for his units.

Air Vice Marshal Biman Kantha Mukherjee has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.