Allow youth to lead, Modi tells DRDO

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chided the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for its repeated failure to stick to project deadlines and asked its top brass to hand over decision-making to the younger generation in at least certain areas.

“You conceptualised a project in 2009, but when asked about it in 2014, you say it will still take some more time. This will not work any longer. The world will not wait for us. We have to run ahead of time,” Modi said, after giving away awards to DRDO scientists here.

For decades, the DRDO has failed to deliver on several strategic projects such as the light combat aircraft Tejas, main battle Arjun tank and anti-tank missile Nag to name a few, compelling the armed forces to look for alternatives outside the country.

“The big challenge is how do we complete our work before time. If the world brings out a weapon in 2020, can we do it by 2018?” Modi said.

The prime minister gave several new ideas to the DRDO scientists, including handing over leadership to the young generation in select areas and establishing an interface between the scientists and soldiers who use the products designed by them.

“Can you select five laboratories where everybody will be below 35 years in age? Even the decision-makers are below 35 years? You need to take a risk and bring some fresh air,” Modi said.