Ministry of Defence Enhances Aatmanirbharta in Defence Production

Ministry of Defence Enhances Aatmanirbharta in Defence Production

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:

  1. 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
    Answer: C) To reduce import dependence and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities
  2. 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
    Answer: A) SRIJAN PORTAL
  3. 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
    Answer: A) Over 36,000