Government Panel Recommends Setting Up Autonomous Body To Streamline Weapons Acquisition And Export

A high-level committee appointed by the government to find answers to India’s inefficient weapons procurement structure has recommended setting up an autonomous Defence Acquisition Organisation (DAO) within the Defence Ministry. The body will be responsible for planning, efficient procurement of weapons and formulation of policies related to defence purchases, Economic Times has reported.

The committee, headed by management expert Dr Pritam Singh, said the existing procurement structure, prone to bureaucratic delays, should be dismantled.

According to the committee’s report, the new organisation will bring together all those involved in the procurement of weapons and formulation of policies under one roof, making the process more efficient. The current system involves multiple officers from different backgrounds and services, limiting opportunities of proper coordination due to frequent transfers, and making it difficult for the authorities to fix responsibility.

The organisation will be headed by a chief executive officer and will have eight directors. Each of these directors will be responsible for a different area of acquisition and one will take the responsibility of governing export of defence equipment.

To make sure that the body remains autonomous, it will be funded with a certain percentage of the funds that it utilises every financial year. For the first year, the amount recommended is Rs 400 crore.