In a significant development, the Union government is pressing ahead with the implementation of reforms aimed at revamping the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), despite facing opposition from some defense scientists.
Led by former principal scientific advisor Prof. K. VijayRaghavan, a high-powered committee’s recommendations are being pursued, marking a pivotal shift in the nation’s premier defense research agency.
A communication note, obtained by media, reveals that the DRDO headquarters has established an Overseeing Committee to ensure the review and execution of these proposals, with a deadline set for August 31.
This initiative comes after the top echelons of the DRDO voiced their concerns to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and subsequently made detailed representations to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). However, the government appears determined to expedite the implementation of these substantial reforms.
The VijayRaghavan panel, commissioned by the PMO and comprising nine members, submitted its report titled ‘Redefining Defence Research and Development’ earlier this year. While the DRDO leadership doesn’t dispute the overarching goal of streamlining the organization for enhanced efficiency and agility, they have raised objections to certain structural changes proposed by the committee.
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Following extensive deliberations, the government has thrown its weight behind the VijayRaghavan panel’s recommendations, initiating measures for their execution.
Dr. Samir Kamat, the secretary of the Department of Defence Research and Development and DRDO chairman, has established 13 separate committees, each headed by DRDO directors general, to oversee the implementation process.
The proposed reforms encompass various aspects, including mechanisms to mitigate project delays, evaluation frameworks for projects and scientists, and increased collaboration with industry, MSMEs, and academia.
In addition, there are plans to reform the financial framework to incentivize risk-taking research, review project management and procurement processes, and digitize the organization’s operations.
The Overseeing Committee, led by Dr. Kamat and comprising the most senior director generals of the DRDO, will ensure the timely execution of these reforms. Any recommendations not fully implementable by the August 31 deadline will have specified milestones and an overall timeline for completion.
As per the VijayRaghavan panel, internal issues within the DRDO contribute to around 60% of project delays, with an additional 18% attributed to changing requirements from the armed forces and bureaucratic hurdles. With an annual budget of Rs 23,264 crore in the 2023-24 fiscal year, the DRDO has often faced criticism for project delays and cost overruns, despite its extensive manpower and infrastructure.
The reform of the DRDO is crucial to the government’s agenda to bolster defense manufacturing under initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and reduce dependency on imports. Moreover, it aims to boost defense exports, with an ambitious target of Rs 35,000 crore by 2025.
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