Made in India military weapons and support systems

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
05-March, 2018 15:08 IST
Projects Discontinued Closed By DRDO


A total of seven projects have been short closed/stage closed/cancelled by the DRDO during the last three years.

The reasons for the decision to discontinue or close these projects and the total amount of expenses that had been incurred in these closed discontinued projects, project-wise is given below:

S.No.
Project Title (Lab)
Current PDC/ Date of closure
Cost(Rs in Cr)
Expenditure
Reason

1
Thin Film Sensing System for Kaveri Engine
31 Jan 2018
20.75
Rs. 10, 000/-
No technical activities progressed with development partner (NRC, Canada).

2
Four Stroke Horizontally Opposed Four Cylinder Engine for UAV
17 Jul 2014
45.80
Rs. 2.7617 Cr
Change in User requirements

3
Fifty Five Numbers of Sudershan Mk-1 Kits for Evaluation Trials
24 Jan 2016
(under short closure)
85.13
Rs.10.49 Cr
Change in User requirements.

4
Multi Mission Radar
18 Feb 2016
193.44
Rs. 6.6033 Cr
(Outstanding commitments of Rs. 3.9773 Cr transferred to Project ‘QRSAM)’
Activities subsumed to Project QRSAM


5
Semantic Service Oriented Architecture
30 Aug 2014
4.90
Rs. 18.56lakhs
Project reformulated with a revised scope and comprehensive definition. A new project Multi-Agent Robotics System (MARS) taken thereafter

6
Terrain Visualization and Simulation Facility
22 Sep 2016
9.90
NIL
Infrastructure to be developed in the project to be taken up later after technology development. The project was thus cancelled and no expenditure incurred.

7
Lab on Chip
31 Mar 2017
4.80
Rs. 80,000
Fresh proposal to be taken up under NBC Phase-2 Programme.



The steps taken/being taken by DRDO to ensure that the discontinuation and cancellation of projects are taken at an early stage are:

•

More stringent review mechanisms including tracking of timely completion of reviews.

•

Involvement of Services & production partners during development process and reviews.



This information was given by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply to ShriDerek O’Brienin Rajya Sabha today.

***

Ministry of Defence
05-March, 2018 15:05 IST
Participation in Defence Production under ‘Make In India’ Programme

Since the launch of ‘Make in India’ programme in 25September 2014, so far, 12 foreign investment proposals have been approved in defence sector under Government route.

• M/s Punj Lloyd Limited.
• M/s Idea Forge Technology Pvt. Ltd.
• M/s Sasmos Het Technologies Ltd.
• M/s Dynamatic Technologies Ltd.
• M/s Mahindra Telephonic Integrated Systems Limited.
• M/s Indian Rotorcraft Limited.
• M/s BF Elbit Advanced Systems Pvt. Ltd.
• M/s Safran Engineering Services India Pvt. Ltd.
• M/s. Tata Sikorsky Aerospace Limited.
• M/s. Quantum Simulators Pvt. Ltd.
• M/s Ideaforge Technology Pvt. Ltd.
• M/s Alpha-Elsec Defence and Aerospace Systems Pvt. Ltd.

The position of disinvestment in respect of DPSUs is as follows:-

• In BDL government has proposed to offer 12% shareholding through Initial Public Offering.
• In BEML, government has given in principle approval of strategic disinvestment of 26% shareholding of BEML out of Government of India shareholding of 54.03% with transfer of management.
• In HAL, the process of disinvestment of 10% Government of India shareholding by way of offer of has started.
• In BEL, during 2017-2018, the Government of India has sold 2,98,84,329 equity shares through Exchange Traded Fund(ETF) of market transaction.
• Government of India has decided disinvestment through IPO for 17.5% in GRSE, 10% in MDL, 25% in MIDHANI out of Government of India shareholding of 100% and reservation of upto 5% of post issue shareholding to eligible employees of GRSE, MDL and MIDHANI.

This information was given by RakshaRajyaMantriDr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to ShriC.P. Narayananin Rajya Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

At Electronics City, the helicopter will land in Thumby Aviation’s facility in Phase I, near the toll plaza. | Photo Credit:

According to Capt. K.N.G. Nair, Chairman and Managing Director, Thumby Aviation, the helicopter can ferry six passengers. “On the first trip, we had four passengers from KIA. On the way back from Electronics City, we had five passengers. In the second trip, we had three passengers from KIA and two on the way back.” He added that they did not accept too many bookings for Monday as it was the inaugural service.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Finance06-March, 2018 18:04 IST
“Make in India” campaign

Government of India has launched the “Make in India” campaign on September 25, 2014 to provide investors – both domestic and overseas – a conducive environment to manufacture in India and at the same time create job opportunities. The twenty five (25) Sectors identified under “Make in India” campaign are:



Auto Components

Textiles

Renewable Energy

Construction

Aviation

Tourism

IT and BPM

Electrical Machinery

Chemicals

Pharmaceuticals

Media Entertainment

Food Processing

Space

Railways

Oil and Gas

Automobiles

Thermal Power

Roads

Defence

Biotechnology

Wellness

Leather

Electronic Systems

-

Ports

Mining

-


Further, as part of the Special Package for Creation & Export Promotion in Textile & Apparel Sector, Government contributes Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contribution of 3.67% in addition to paying the Employees Pension Scheme (EPS) contribution of 8.33%. Also, as part of the Special Package for Employment Generation in Leather and Footwear Sector, Government provides employers’ contribution of 3.67% to EPF and EPS contribution of 8.33 % for all new employees in Leather, Footwear and Accessories sector, enrolling in EPFO for first 3 years of their employment, on the same lines as the textiles sector.



This was stated by Shri Pon. Radhakrishnan, Minister of State for Finance in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.



*****


Ministry of Defence
06-March, 2018 13:30 IST
DefExpo 2018 websitehttp://www.defexpoindia.in/: a versatile interface for participating in DefExpo 2018

For those planning to participate in DefExpo 2018, the website (http://www.defexpoindia.in/) provides all necessary information in a comprehensive manner. It has complete registration details whether one is an international business visitor, company, MSME or a general visitor. DefExpo is open for business visitors from April 11-14, 2018 and for general public on April 14th.

The website provides a section for participation by the media personnel, who are required to register before March 15th 2018. Separate section is also provided for Embassy Officials to facilitate official delegations from their respective countries.

Companies interested in displaying their products and services can register on line. Full details of the rates at which space can be booked are all available on the website. 50% concessional rates have been offered to MSMEs, thereby making it extremely easy for them to participate in the Expo.

DefExpo and Government of Tamil Nadu Tourism Department have tied up with hotels in and around Chennai for the benefit of outstation visitors during the DefExpo. Special rates have been negotiated with these hotels so that the visitors, especially foreign delegates do not face difficulty. Details of hotels with room availability and rates are also available on the website. Hotel rooms are being booked very fast and all concerned needing rooms must take advance action to reserve their rooms.

Suggestions regarding additional information/services that are required by users are also solicited. These may be sent to Dr Amit Sahai, Joint Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence,Email:

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
07-March, 2018 14:41 IST
“Make in India” Action Plan

Under the “Make in India” action plan 21 key sectors have been identified for specific actions under: (i) policy initiatives (ii) fiscal incentives (iii) infrastructure creation (iv) ease of doing business (v) innovation and R&D and (vi) skill development. This was informed in the Rajya Sabha today by the Minister of State of Commerce and Industry, C.R. Chaudhary while replying to a question.

Under this, the FDI policy and procedure have been simplifiedand liberalised progressively. Key sectors have been opened up for FDI: defence manufacturing, food processing, telecom, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, civil aviation, space, private security agencies,railways, insurance and pensions and medical devices.

In 2015-16, FDI inflow crossed the USD 55 billion mark in one fiscal year, for the first time ever. Total FDI inflow was USD 198.48 billion between April 2014 and October 2017, representing 38% of the cumulative FDI in India since April 2000. In 2016-17, FDI inflow stood at a record of USD 60 billion, highest ever recorded for a fiscal year ever. According to IMF World Economic Outlook (April2017) and UN World Economic Situation Prospects 2017, India is the fastest growing major economy in the world and is projected to remain so in year 2018.



******

Ministry of Defence
07-March, 2018 15:11 IST
Defence Expenditure

There has been a consistent increase in Defence Expenditure every year over previous year, as is brought out in the table below, providing the details for the last three years as well as the current year. Defence expenditure as a percentage of GDP is also given in the table below:

(Rs. in crore)

Year
Defence Expenditure excluding Defence Pension
Defence expenditure including Defence Pension
GDP
Defence Expenditure excluding Defence Pension as % of GDP
Defence expenditure including Defence pension as % of GDP.

2014-15
2,24,654
2,85,104
1,05,36,984
2.1
2.7

2015-16
2,33,682
2,93,920
1,13,81,002
2.05
2.58

2016-17(Actual)
2,66,795
3,54,621
1,21,89,854(PE)
2.18
2.9

2017-18#(RE)
2,79,004
3,74,004
1,67,84,679(RE)
1.66
2.2

This Ministry projects all the requirements posed by the Services to Ministry of Finance for favourable consideration. Ministry of Finance, being the Nodal Ministry for allocating funds to the Ministries, State Governments, etc. provides budget for Ministry of Defence taking into account resource envelope of the Government of India. The allocated funds are optimally and fully utilized towards operational requirements. However depending on the Budget allocation the schemes are reprioritized to ensure that urgent and critical capabilities are acquired without any compromise to operational preparedness of the Defence Services.



This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Rajendra Agrawal in Lok Sabha today.

Ministry of Defence
07-March, 2018 15:10 IST
FDI Inflow

Direct Investment (FDI) of amount US $ 0.18 million has been received in defence industry sector from April 2014 to December 2017. State wise FDI / JV proposals approved including state of Uttar Pradesh during the period (April 2014 to December 2017) is given below:

• M/s Samtel Thales Avionics Limited, Uttar Pradesh.
• M/s Maini Precision Products Private Limited, Karnataka.
• M/s Bharti Shipyard Ltd., Maharashtra.
• M/s Solar Industries India Limited, Maharashtra.
• M/s Verdant Telemetry & Antenna Systems Pvt. Ltd., Kerala.
• M/s Quest Global Manufacturing Private Limited, Karnataka.
• M/s Ideaforge Technology Pvt. Ltd., Maharashtra.
• M/s Punj Lloyd Limited, Haryana.
• M/s Sasmos Het Technologies Ltd., Karnataka.
• M/s Dynamatic Technologies Ltd., Karnataka.
• M/s Mahindra Telephonic Integrated Systems Limited, Maharashtra.
• M/s Indian Rotorcraft Limited, Maharashtra.
• M/s BF Elbit Advanced Systems Pvt. Ltd., Maharashtra.
• M/s Safran Engineering Services India Pvt. Ltd., Karnataka.
• M/s Tata Sikorsky Aerospace Limited, Telangana.
• M/s Quantum Simulators Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat.
• M/s Ideaforge Technology Pvt. Ltd., Maharashtra.
• M/s Alpha-Elsec Defence and Aerospace Systems Pvt. Ltd., Karnataka.

This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri Rajesh Kumar Diwaker in Lok Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh launching the National Electric Mobility Programme of EESL, in New Delhi on March 07, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla and the Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Shri Anand Kumar are also seen.

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh addressing at the launch of the National Electric Mobility Programme of EESL, in New Delhi on March 07, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Shri Anand Kumar and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh handing over the key to the Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, at the launch of the National Electric Mobility Programme of EESL, in New Delhi on March 07, 2018.

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh handing over the key to the Secretary, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Shri Anand Kumar, at the launch of the National Electric Mobility Programme of EESL, in New Delhi on March 07, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

 

[Hindustani78]

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at an event to inaugurate the ELECRAMA 2018, organised by the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing Association, in Noida, Uttar Pradesh on March 10, 2018. The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Minister for Industrial Development, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Satish Mahana and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at an event to inaugurate the ELECRAMA 2018, organised by the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing Association, in Noida, Uttar Pradesh on March 10, 2018. The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Minister for Industrial Development, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Satish Mahana and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu lighting the lamp to inaugurate the ELECRAMA 2018, organised by the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing Association, in Noida, Uttar Pradesh on March 10, 2018. The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Minister for Industrial Development, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Satish Mahana and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu releasing the publication at the inaugural session of the ELECRAMA 2018, organised by the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing Association, in Noida, Uttar Pradesh on March 10, 2018. The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Minister for Industrial Development, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Satish Mahana and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the inaugural session of the ELECRAMA 2018, organised by the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing Association, in Noida, Uttar Pradesh on March 10, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the inaugural session of the ELECRAMA 2018, organised by the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing Association, in Noida, Uttar Pradesh on March 10, 2018. The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, the Minister for Industrial Development, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Satish Mahana and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu addressing the inaugural session of the ELECRAMA 2018, organised by the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing Association, in Noida, Uttar Pradesh on March 10, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha, having a look at aircraft exhibited at Begumpet airport on the second day of Wings India-2018 in Hyderabad on Friday.

 

[Hindustani78]

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
11-March, 2018 20:21 IST
DRDO Workshop on International Women’s Day

Minister for Ladakh Affairs and Cooperative, Govt of Jammu & Kashmir Shri Chhering Dorjay, today inaugurated a national workshop named “DRDO Initiative of Women Augmenting Services (DIWAS – 2018)” organised to celebrate the International Women’s Day by Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), the Leh based premier Life Sciences cluster laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Member of Parliament from LadakhShri Thupstan Tsewang, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh, Shri Dorjay Motup, Chairman DRDO & Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development Dr. S. Christopher, GOC Fire & Fury Corps Lt Gen SK Upadhyay, Padma Shri Dr. Tsering Ladol and Director DIHAR, Leh Dr. OP Chaurasia were present on this occasion.

In his inaugural address, Shri Chhering Dorjay mentioned that women in DRDO have tirelessly been working with devotion, determination and soldierly dedication and providing technological solutions. He appreciated the R&D efforts of DIHAR to facilitate agro-animal fresh food supply to army deputed at high altitude through civil-military interface. He also appreciated the DRDO’s efforts in establishing the Extreme Altitude Research Centre (EARC) at Chang La at 17,664 feet altitude, which has received the Guinness World Records certification.

Dr. S. Christopher, in his address complimented the DRDO women scientists for their glorious work and dedicated service to the nation. He appreciated that Indian women are shining in all spheres at national and international arena and expressed hope that the trend would see better achievements in times to come.

Distinguished Scientist & Director General (Life Sciences) and Chairperson of “DIWAS-2018” Dr. Shashi Bala Singh, in her address, congratulated the organizing committee for bringing the participants together and ushering for a brighter India, where larger number of women would be playing leadership roles.

The aim of the workshop is to celebrate the role of women in nationbuilding and commitment to create a gender neutral work environment to facilitate skill development and enhancement among women across the globe. The event was held in the serene backdrop of Ladakh, where researchers, entrepreneurs, government servants, farmers and NGOs joined hands for a global cause.

About 300 delegates from diverse backgrounds attended the workshop. DIG, ITBPMs. Aparna Kumar, Former MD & CEO, NSE Ms. Chitra Ramakrishnaand Principal, Miranda College, Delhi University Dr. Pratibha Jolly were prominent among others who graced the occasion. Women scientists of DRDO participating at the workshop included Distinguished Scientist & Director General - Systems Analysis and Modelling (SAM) Dr. Chitra Rajagopal andDirector, ASL, HyderabadDr. Tessy Thomas. The workshop deliberations by eminent women achievers motivated the audience and infused them with energy to scale greater heights in personal and professional space.

During the workshop, Dr. S. Christopher visited a technical exhibition displayed at DIHAR campus showcasing the R&D achievements of Life Science cluster to facilitate operational support at high altitude.

 

[Foxbat Alok]

Akash Air-defense missile weapon system
http://indiandefencenews.info/akash-weapon-system/

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
12-March, 2018 15:34 IST
Strategic Partnership Model in Defence Acquisition

The policy on Strategic Partnerships in Defence sector was approved by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in May, 2017. It was promulgated on 31.05.2017 as Chapter-VII of Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) – 2016 titled as ‘Revitalising Defence Industrial Ecosystem through Strategic Partnerships’. The policy was placed before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The CCS considered the Note on the Policy in its meeting held on 24.05.2017 and noted the contents thereof. The chapter was uploaded on Ministry of Defence website: https://www.mod.nic.in.

The policy is intended to institutionalise a transparent, objective and functional mechanism to encourage broader participation of the private sector, in addition to DPSUs / OFB, in the manufacture of defence platforms and equipment such as aircraft, submarines, helicopters and armoured vehicles. It will serve to enhance competition, increase efficiencies, facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology, create a tiered industrial ecosystem, ensure development of a wider skill base and trigger innovation, leading to reduction in dependence on imports and greater self-reliance in meeting national security objectives. The following four segments have been identified for acquisition under Strategic Partnership (SP) route:

• Fighter Aircraft
• Helicopters
• Submarines
• Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) / Main Battle Tanks (MBTs).

The Strategic Partnership Model (SPM) is a different category of Capital Acquisition in addition to the existing categories as mentioned in Chapter-I of DPP-2016 i.e. ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’; ‘Buy (Indian)’; ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’; ‘Buy & Make’ and ‘Buy (Global)’.

The amount of investment and employment opportunities likely to be created cannot be quantified at this stage as the cases in the respective segments are at their initial / early stages.

This information was given by RakshaRajyaMantriDr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to Shri C.M. Ramesh in Rajya Sabha today.

***

********
Ministry of Defence
12-March, 2018 15:33 IST
Privatization of Defence Production

The Government is promoting privatisation in Defence Production. Till February 2018, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) has issued 348 licenses to 210 Indian Companies for manufacture of various licensable defence items. Apart from this, one manufacturing license has also been issued by Ministry of Home Affairs for Small Arms and Ammunitions. Till February 2018, 70 license companies covering 114 licenses have reported commencement of production.

The Government has partially withdrawn the public investments in respect of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and BEML Ltd. The Government shareholding now in above DPSUs is 66.72% and 54.03 % respectively.

As per extant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy, in defence sector, foreign investment upto 49% is permitted under automatic route. Foreign investment beyond 49% (upto 100%) is permitted through government approval in cases resulting in access to modern technology in the country or for other reasons to be recorded. FDI limit for defence sector has also been made applicable to Manufacturing of Small Arms and Ammunitions covered under Arms Act 1959. Further, foreign investment in defence sector is subject to other conditions of extant FDI Policy as amended from time to time.

So far, 40 FDI proposals / Joint Ventures have been approved for manufacturing of various defence equipment both in public and private sectors.

This information was given by RakshaRajyaMantriDr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to ShriNeerajShekhar and Shri Ravi Prakash Vermain Rajya Sabha today.

***

 

[Garian]

Akash Nk-1S to be ready by June 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons and the Chairman of Tata Trusts, Shri Ratan Naval Tata calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on March 15, 2018.

The Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons and the Chairman of Tata Trusts, Shri Ratan Naval Tata calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on March 15, 2018.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman receiving a cheque of Rs.262.29 crore as interim dividend for the financial year 2017-18 from the Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL), Shri M.V. Gowtama, in New Delhi on March 15, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
16-March, 2018 15:49 IST
RM initiates development of tamil nadu defence corridor at defence industry meet

Under the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s larger vision of pushing Make in India, the Ministry of Defence has taken multiple measures to promote indigenisation in the defence industry. In the 2018 budget, two Defence Corridors were announced in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Subsequent to the announcement, the process has begun to set up these corridors.



As one of the first steps to initiate development of the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor, an interactive meeting with local industry was held at Tiruchirappalli, today. The meeting, which was attended by over 200 representatives from the industry, was addressed by Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman. Several ministers and senior officials of Tamil Nadu Government and senior officials from Ministry of Defence, Defence Public Sector Undertakings, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Ordnance Factory Board were also present in the meeting. In her inaugural address, the Raksha Mantri gave a brief overview of the importance of the defence sector in the overall growth and development of the country and highlighted the importance of the proposed Defence Corridor in this respect. She sought the active support of all the stakeholders to make the project successful. Smt Sitharaman also invited the local manufacturers to showcase their products related to defence supplies so as to attract the attention of more than 300 manufacturers expected to be present in the DefExpo 2018, scheduled between 11 to 14 April 2018 in Chennai.



Several presentations ranging from measures taken to promote indigenisation and self-reliance in defence production, the industry friendly measures taken by the Tamil Nadu government, the envisaged role of the Public Sector Enterprises in the proposed Defence Corridor and the capabilities and expectations of the local industry were made. The presentations were followed by a very vibrant question answer session.



The Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor, also called the Tamil Nadu Defence Production Quad as the nodal cities form a quadrilateral, will include Chennai, Hosur, Salem and Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli as nodes. These nodal cities have existing defence ecosystem in the form of OFBs, vendors working with Defence PSUs, and other allied industries. The Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor aims to bolster interaction between all industry players in order to create long-term synergy and eventual development of the area into a Defence Production powerhouse.

*************


The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman interacting with the local defence and allied industrialists, MSMEs and other stakeholders to create synergy and further strengthen the defence ecosystem in Tiruchirappalli, which is one of the nodal cities of Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor, in Tiruchirappalli on March 16, 2018.

The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman addressing the meeting of the local defence and allied industrialists, MSMEs and other stakeholders to create synergy and further strengthen the defence ecosystem in Tiruchirappalli, which is one of the nodal cities of Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor, in Tiruchirappalli on March 16, 2018.

Ministry of Commerce & Industry
16-March, 2018 20:38 IST
Prime Minister Expresses Concern at Restrictive Clauses Against Domestic Suppliers in Public Procurement

The Prime Minister has expressed concern at the restrictive and discriminatory clauses being imposed against domestic manufacturers and suppliers in tender documents for public procurement. These observations were made during the course of review of the implementation of the Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) (PPP-MII) Order, 2017. While the Government of India is committed to ensuring that both quality and price considerations are not compromised, this should not lead to imposing conditions that result in unreasonable exclusion of domestic suppliers.

It may be recalled that the Government of India had issued the PPP-MII Order, 2017 on 15th June, 2017 to promote manufacturing and production of goods and services in India with a view to enhancing income and employment. Since Government procurement is substantial in amount, the Order directed all Central Government Departments, their attached or subordinate offices and autonomous bodies controlled by the Government of India to ensure purchase preference be given to domestic suppliers in Government procurements. The Order also provides 20% margin of purchase preference, while the minimum local content required shall ordinarily be 50%.

In the review meeting, specific cases of such restrictive and discriminatory conditions against domestic manufacturers pertaining to Ministry of Railways and Metro Rail Coaches were examined. Directions were given to ensure strict compliance of the PPP-MII Order in letter and spirit. Further, all nodal Ministries were directed to ensure notification of local content in the next 10 days, whereafter the Cabinet Secretary would be reviewing each individual nodal Ministry.

It was also observed that of e-tenders issued on the Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP) for the financial year 2017-18, almost 47% pertain to works in terms of value (Rs.6.65 lakh crores out of total of Rs.14.18 lakh crores). It was categorically clarified that the PPP-MII Order is also applicable to procurement of works, including turnkey works, besides goods and services.

Provisions are being incorporated on the CPP Portal, wherein any domestic supplier can raise a grievance against any restrictive or discriminatory condition. A dedicated cell in the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion will look into such grievances, before issuing necessary directions. Further all procuring entities would be required to certify that they are complying with the PPP-MII Order.

The Government is committed to implement the PPP-MII Order in right earnest, and thus boost incomes and generate further employment in India.

***