Parliamentary Panel Urges Increased R&D Budget in Defence Sector

Parliamentary Panel Urges Increased R&D Budget in Defence Sector

VoM News Desk | December 20, 2023 | 09:20 PM IST | Breaking News | Follow on Google News

Parliamentary Panel Urges Increased R&D Budget in Defence Sector /NDTV

Parliamentary Panel Urges Increased R&D Budget in Defence Sector

A parliamentary standing committee advocated a surge in the annual defence budget’s research and development allocation, emphasizing India’s ambition to establish itself as a premier global manufacturer of military equipment.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is currently engaged in 328 ongoing projects valued at Rs 99,898 crore, excluding strategic projects, as per the committee’s report on defence matters.

Of these projects, 55 are mission-focused, 197 relate to technology demonstration, 34 are connected to infrastructure and facilities, 19 are linked to science and technology, 20 involve product support, and three are user trial initiatives.

The committee expressed concern over 23 out of 55 projects that weren’t completed within the stipulated time.

Highlighting the budgetary trends, the committee observed a reduction in the allocation for defence research and development over the last two years.

The actual allocation in 2021-22 was Rs 18,337 crore, notably lower than the initially projected Rs 23,460 crore. Similarly, in 2022-23, the allocated amount of Rs 21,330 crore fell short of the projected Rs 22,990 crore.

The committee stressed the need to bolster funding for defence research, stating that the current allocation may suffice for self-reliance but would fall short in India’s aspiration to be a global leader.

It recommended a significant increase in the percentage of defence budget directed towards research and development to empower DRDO to achieve its defined objectives and fortify India’s position on the global stage.

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