DRDO delays: Antony for accountability, checks

The dismal track record of the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), highlighted by The Indian Express through a series of investigative reports earlier this month, found an echo in Parliament today where Defence Minister A K Antony promised a new system of accountability to keep delays and cost over-runs in check.

In reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha if the DRDO was fulfilling the country’s strategic requirements, Antony stated that technical difficulties had created delays. “Stringent review and monitoring mechanism has been put in place. For the new projects, involvement of user and industry is ensured ab-initio. Shared stakeholding is also being brought and discussed which will ensure accountability,” he said.

Referring to the guided missile programme, the Samvahak command information system for the Army, the Samyukta electronic warfare programme, Sangraha Naval electronic warfare programme and the LCA Tejas, Antony said: “The fact is that due to genuine technical difficulties some of the projects have been delayed, but these are nearing completion at various times, and when developed, the products will be equipped with current technologies with a useful life of about 20-25 years. For other ongoing projects, all efforts are being made to meet the Probable Date of Completion (PDC).” The Indian Express had highlighted how all major DRDO programmes were on their second or third PDC extension.