Revamping DRDO: High-Powered Committee Recommends Major Restructuring And Enhanced Role For Private Sector

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India's premier defence research agency, is set for a major overhaul as a high-powered committee, led by former principal scientific advisor Professor K Vijay Raghavan, has submitted its recommendations.

This move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board two years ago, marking a shift towards increased autonomy and flexibility for defence public sector undertakings.

While the report is shrouded in secrecy, insider sources suggest a pivot towards a more significant role for the private defence sector, reported India Today.

The committee recommends restricting DRDO to research and development, excluding the production of prototypes, with a focus on creating a robust indigenous defence production ecosystem.

Also Read: Centre Challenges Aligarh Muslim University's Minority Status In Supreme Court

The proposal also advocates consolidating the existing 40-plus DRDO labs into around 10 national-level facilities and the establishment of five national test facilities open to private players.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister's Office might directly oversee key strategic projects, reflecting a desire for optimal project outcomes.

The committee also suggests bifurcating the post of Secretary (Research and Development) in the Ministry of Defence and focuses on attracting high-quality manpower through incentives and disincentives.

With an outlay of Rs 23,264 crore in the 2023-24 budget estimate, DRDO has faced criticism for project delays and cost overruns.

However, the government's intention to follow the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency model indicates a shift towards a funding-focused approach without in-house labs.

While these recommendations align with the government's push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and increased defence exports, the DRDO workforce awaits clarity on their future roles and ongoing programmes.

Also Read: Ahead Of Lok Sabha Polls, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Bats For Stronger Laws Against Social Media's Influence On Democracy