DRDO get more financial autonomy

The Defence Ministry has delegated more financial autonomy to the Defence Research and Development Organisation hoping the move would accelerate implementation of several strategic projects.

“The wind of change in Defence Research and Development (R&D) is intended to neutralise the ill-effects of over-centralisation and facilitate quicker decision making. This is in line with similar financial delegations made to armed forces in the last one year,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

Financial powers of Secretary, Defence R&D (DRDO Chief) to sanction projects and for procurements enhanced from Rs 75 crore to Rs 150 crore and for directors general enhanced from Rs 50 crore to Rs 75 crore. The financial authority of laboratory directors was enhanced too.

DRDO has seven director generals (technical) in the headquarters to look after specific areas of technology. The organisation has 50 laboratories to carry out the R&D work for the military.