The government has included reforms for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in its 100-day agenda following the elections. These reforms aim to expand the country's defence technology base.
The government established a committee comprising retired military officers and industry experts, led by a top scientist, to suggest changes to make the DRDO more efficient and to promote a robust defence industrial and technological base.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, head of the DRDO, has made presentations to senior government officials. Further progress on these reforms will occur after the new government is formed.
According to top defence officials, the DRDO reforms have now been incorporated into the 100-day agenda. Presentations have been made at senior levels, and the DRDO has been instructed to work on implementing these reforms.
An internal committee within the DRDO has been formed to advance reforms in areas where there is consensus between the reform committee and the DRDO.
Areas of disagreement will be addressed at a later stage. The DRDO is also focusing on implementing reforms in core military technology areas.
Laboratories that focus on non-core areas, such as the Defence Institute for High Altitude Research (DIHAR) and similar labs, will be offered to local state governments to continue their work and aid in local development.
The reforms committee suggested setting up a defence technology commission to oversee major technology development projects. Additionally, the committee recommended creating two Secretary posts within the DRDO, each with different roles currently managed by a single official.
The committee also emphasised the importance of a time-bound implementation of its recommendations. To ensure the DRDO meets the requirements of the defence forces, the committee proposed a significant role for the Chief of Defence Staff in the executive committee of the proposed technology commission.
These reforms are part of the government's broader strategy to enhance India's defence capabilities. By restructuring the DRDO, the government aims to make the organisation more output-oriented and aligned with the needs of the country's defence forces.
The inclusion of DRDO reforms in the government's 100-day agenda highlights the priority given to strengthening India's defence technology and industrial base.
As the new government takes shape, further developments and implementations of these reforms are anticipated, marking a significant step towards advancing India's defence capabilities.
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