In an effort to give a boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government in the Defence sector and remove bottlenecks in the acquisition of weapon systems, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given the nod for reviewing the Defence Procurement Policy (DPP)-2016 by a high-level committee. The panel will give its recommendations within six months about how to ensure seamless flow of acquisitions and maintenance of assets.

“The Defence Minister has approved setting up of a committee under the chairmanship of director general (acquisition) to review the DPP 2016 and Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2009. The committee will revise and align the procedures with the aim of ensuring seamless flow from asset acquisition to life cycle support,” the Defence Ministry said. The DPP is due for revision.

Giving details of the panel, officials said it will be headed by director general (acquisition) and have 11 members not below the rank of joint secretary or equivalent of Major General in the Army.

The committee has been given six months to submit its recommendations.

With the Government focusing on military modernisation, acquisition processes of a large number of military platforms and weapons are not moving forward due to procedural delays raising concern.

The terms of reference of the committee include simplifying policy and procedures to facilitate greater participation of Indian industry and develop robust Defence industrial base in the country, and explore ways hasten Defence acquisition.

It has also been tasked to examine, wherever applicable, and suggest ways to incorporate new concepts such as life cycle costing, life cycle support, performance based logistics, lease contracting, codification and standardisation for acquisition of military hardware, officials said.

A key mandate of the committee is to recommend measures to promote Government’s policy to promote domestic Defence industry and encourage Indian start-ups as well as research and development.