The Ministry of Defence has announced the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) to bolster self-reliance in defence production. This initiative aims to reduce import dependence and boost domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Details of the PIL
- Items Included: The PIL comprises 346 strategically-important Line Replacement Units/Systems/Sub-systems/Assemblies/Sub-assemblies/Spares & Components and raw materials.
- Import Substitution Value: These items have a collective import substitution value of Rs 1,048 crore.
- Procurement Conditions: Items will only be procured from Indian industries after specified timelines for indigenisation.
Srijan Portal and Its Role
- Launch: The SRIJAN PORTAL was launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Defence.
- Purpose: It facilitates DPSUs and Service Headquarters (SHQs) to offer defence items for indigenisation to industries, including MSMEs and start-ups.
Multiple Avenues for Indigenisation
- Indigenisation Routes: DPSUs will undertake indigenisation through various methods such as the ‘Make’ procedure or in-house development involving MSMEs.
- Benefits: This initiative is expected to drive economic growth, attract investment in defence, and reduce reliance on imports.
Key Players and Participation
- DPSUs Involved: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and others listed.
- Industry Participation: Expressions of Interest/Requests for Proposal are invited via the Srijan Portal to encourage participation from industries, MSMEs, and start-ups.
Achievements and Future Prospects
- Previous PILs: Four previous PILs have already indigenised 2,972 items with a value of Rs 3,400 crore.
- Impact: Over 36,000 defence items have been offered for indigenisation, with more than 12,300 items indigenised in the last three years alone.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What is the objective of the Ministry of Defence’s fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)?
- A) To boost imports by DPSUs
- B) To increase reliance on foreign defence items
- C) To reduce import dependence and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities
- D) To limit the involvement of MSMEs and start-ups
- Which portal was launched in 2020 to facilitate indigenisation efforts in defence production?
- A) SRIJAN PORTAL
- B) Make in India Portal
- C) Defence Innovation Portal
- D) Aatmanirbhar Bharat Portal
- How many defence items were indigenised through the efforts of DPSUs and SHQs till June 2024?
- A) Over 36,000
- B) Less than 10,000
- C) Exactly 12,300
- D) Over 50,000