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Committee Set Up to Enhance DRDO Functioning

  • 26 Aug 2023

Recently, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has established a nine-member committee, led by K Vijay Raghavan, former Principal Scientific Advisor to the government, to review and improve the functioning of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with the aim of bolstering India's self-reliance in the military sector.

Key Points:

  • Objectives: The committee's goal is to offer recommendations for refining the role of the state-owned agency and enhancing its output within the military domain.
  • Timeline: The committee has been granted a three-month window to deliver its report, as indicated by government insiders.
  • Addressing Accountability and Professionalism: With approximately 7,000 scientists employed by DRDO, the ministry acknowledges the necessity of establishing accountability, promoting professionalism, and implementing time-bound delivery mechanisms within the organization.
  • Post-Report Action Plan: Upon receiving the committee's report, the MoD intends to conduct a brainstorming session, engaging domain experts from both domestic and international sources, to devise a comprehensive strategy based on the recommendations.
  • Committee Members and Terms of Reference: The committee objectives include redefining DRDO's role, engaging with academia and industry for futuristic technologies, fostering a skilled workforce with performance accountability, and streamlining administrative and financial systems.
  • CAG Report and Previous Review: The decision to assess DRDO's operations stems from a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India that criticized the organization for labeling 20 mission mode projects as 'successful' despite not achieving their goals.