Recent Reforms in Defence Sector

• 08 Jun 2021

Why in News

Recently, the Defence Minister released an E-booklet titled ‘20 Reforms in 2020’ highlighting the major reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2020.

Key Points

• Chief of Defence Staff & Department of Military Affairs:
  
  • The appointment of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and creation of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA) were among the major decisions taken by the Government.
    
    • General Bipin Rawat was appointed as the first CDS who also fulfilled the responsibilities of Secretary, DMA.
  • The post of CDS was created to increase efficiency & coordination among the Armed Forces and reduce duplication, while DMA was established to ensure improved civil-military integration.
• Self-Reliance in Defence:
  
  • To promote ‘Make in India’ in the defence sector, a list of 101 defence items for which there would be an embargo on the import was notified in August 2020, while Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 was unveiled in September 2020.
  • There was a 10% budget increase in 2020-21 over the previous year.
• Increased Defence Exports:
  
  • The increased partnership with the private sector has led to a substantial rise in defence exports.
  • The value of total defence exports rose from Rs 1,941 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 9,116 crore in 2019-20. Also, for the first time, India figured in the list of defence equipment exporting nations, as the exports expanded to more than 84 countries.
• Defence Acquisitions:
  
  • First five Rafale fighter aircraft arrived in India in July 2020 and several more since then, adding firepower to the arsenal of the Indian Air Force.
• Reforming Defence R&D:
  
  • To promote innovation by young minds, five Young Scientists Laboratories of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) were launched in 2020.
  • DRDO has joined hands with the private sector in design & development and identified 108 Systems & Subsystems for the industry to design, develop and manufacture.
• Digital Transformation:
  
  • Directorate General Quality Assurance (DGQA) started online Pre-Delivery inspection in May 2020 to address security threats.
  • The Armed Forces Tribunal began digital hearing for the first time in August 2020.
• Strengthening Border Infrastructure:
  
  • Reforms of processes and workflows within Border Roads Organisation (BRO) enabled it to achieve targets ahead of schedule, in some instances.
  • World’s longest Atal tunnel above 10,000 feet, at Rohtang on the Leh-Manali Highway was inaugurated.
• Participation of Women in Armed Forces:
  
  • Ten streams of Indian Army were opened for giving Permanent Commission to Short Service Commission (SSC) Women officers.
  • All Sainik Schools were thrown open for girl students from academic session 2020-21.
• Reforms in National Cadet Corps :
  
  • Expanding the reach of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) to remote locations was a major announcement.
  • It was decided to give preference to NCC cadets in employment in Central Armed Police Forces from May 2020.
• Aid to Civil Administration during Covid-19:
  
  • The Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces have mobilised resources to aid the civil administration in the fight against Covid-19.
  • DRDO has set up several hospitals to treat Covid patients across the states, passed on technology expertise to the private sector for mass production of covid related medicines and equipment.
• Help beyond Boundaries:
  
  • The Armed Forces extended a helping hand to the countries in distress. Indian Navy mounted eight relief missions during 2020-21.
  • Besides evacuating stranded Indians from Iran, Sri Lanka and Maldives under Vande Bharat Mission, Indian Naval ships provided Covid-19 medical relief to five countries.
  • INS Airavat provided 270 MT food aid to Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea struck by natural calamities.
  • The Indian Coast Guard led the rescue operation to save the Sri Lanka coast from its biggest oil spill.

Source:PIB