Parliamentary Committee Urges Defence Ministry to Maximise Funding

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has called upon the Ministry of Defence to ensure the complete utilization of budgetary allocations for advanced technological research. During its recent assessment, the committee expressed strong support for the initiatives undertaken by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), particularly in deep-technology areas such as artificial intelligence, hypersonic technologies, and directed energy weapons.

The committee, chaired by Radha Mohan Singh, highlighted the significance of DRDO’s ongoing projects, which encompass advanced materials, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and lasers. In its report, the committee noted that the DRDO has identified key focus areas, including cognitive technologies, quantum technologies, and military cyber technologies, all crucial for enhancing national defence capabilities.

In a commitment to bolster these initiatives, the Ministry of Defence has assured the committee that adequate budgetary support will be provided to both the armed forces and the DRDO. The committee previously recommended that necessary funds be allocated to the DRDO throughout all stages of the budgetary process.

Financial Allocations and Future Projects

For the current financial year, the DRDO has been allocated Rs 26,816 crore. An additional grant of Rs 500 crore has been approved by the Defence Minister to support deep-tech and cutting-edge projects as distinct verticals under the Technology Development Fund (TDF). This funding initiative has seen the cap raised from Rs 10 crore to Rs 50 crore per project, enabling greater investment in innovative technologies.

Over the past three years, the TDF scheme has sanctioned 12 projects worth Rs 23.61 crore in emerging technology areas, including quantum computing and robotics. The DRDO has also established 15 DRDO Industry Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) at various institutions, including IITs and IISc. These centres are designed to promote directed research across 82 identified verticals that align with future military needs.

While the outcomes of these academia-driven projects may not immediately impact current warfare technologies, they are expected to contribute to future DRDO research programmes. So far, 285 projects valued at Rs 1,037.48 crore have received grants-in-aid to institutions across India through the DIA-CoEs.

Plans for Deep-Tech Investment

During the current financial year, the TDF Directorate aims to allocate approximately Rs 60 crore towards deep-technology and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance projects awarded to Indian industries. This strategic investment underscores the committee’s commitment to fostering innovation and enhancing the technological capabilities of India’s defence sector.

The emphasis on maximizing funding and support for advanced research reflects a broader initiative to ensure that India’s armed forces remain at the forefront of modern military technology. As the defence landscape continues to evolve, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence remains vigilant in its oversight of budgetary allocations and the operational effectiveness of the DRDO.