Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has unveiled new Defence Procurement Policy. Announcing the policy at the inaugural ceremony of Defence Expo in Goa yesterday, defence minister said it would ensure transparency and speedy acquisition of defence hardware.
Indian forces have grappled with time and cost overruns in the acquisition process in past as in some cases process went on for more than a decade.
The new policy and procedures will come into effect from April, beginning of the new financial year.
It has included a new category to acquire weapons – the ‘Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured’ or IDDM category.
Under this rule, weapon platforms designed, developed and manufactured in India will have the first preference in case of any procurement.
Parrikar said, the new policy can push the prime minister’s flagship scheme ‘Make in India’ to develop India into a manufacturing hub.
He said, the policy would also include ‘Start-up India’ initiative. He said, with the new policy, it will be ensured that there is greater transparency and faster clearances.
Parrikar also promised that the guidelines for strategic partners for Indian companies has not been elaborated upon.
He promised that the guidelines for strategic partneres will be framed in 3 months and put for approval of council of ministers.
The Minister also said that a review of the new DPP will be undertaken after six months.
The new policy also allows the Defence Acquisition Council to take a “fast-track” route to acquire weapons. It has been loaded online on the Defence Ministry’s website.
