The Modi 3.0 government has set forth a transformative agenda to overhaul and modernise India’s premier defence research entity, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO). It includes DRDO’s revamp on its first 100-day agenda. A nine-member committee of experts under former Principal Scientific Advisor K Vijay Raghavan was tasked with reassessing and redefining DRDO’s operations. A blueprint for the organisation’s future was submitted in January, and since then, cross-sections of observations on the committee’s report have been available in the public domain. However, the government chose to implement the recommendations by 31 August, which will bring major changes to the functioning of the premier R&D agency. In an interview with Brig SK Chatterji, Editor, BharatShakti, DRDO’s top scientist, Dr S Gurupasad, who also held the post of Director General in the agency, underscored the need that DRDO functions under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to hasten the process of decision-making in the premier organisation.
The government’s decision to evaluate the operations of the DRDO and the entire defence research and production ecosystem is a significant and long-awaited step. This decision, in response to the concerns about the DRDO’s lack of accountability and delayed research, as expressed by its end users in the armed forces, is a positive development. Critics have been vocal about the DRDO’s operational model, which they argue resembles a government Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), often regarding the entire defence process – spanning research, development, and production – as its exclusive jurisdiction. In response to these concerns, the top scientist has noted that the monitoring by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the DRDO’s functioning, hastening the decision-making process in the premier organisation and instilling hope for a more efficient and accountable DRDO.
During the interview, the top scientist shared his perspective on the role of the PMO in the DRDO’s functioning, “I’m happy that the entire DRDO is coming under the PMO’s office so that the monitoring is done right at the top and decision-making will be fast. It drives development in the right direction, but it does not mean we will never have delays. Irrespective of the organisation’s structure, the changes you make to the system are driven from the top. The top-driven system will always work. They will readjust and work, I’m sure of that“. This clarification of the top scientist’s viewpoint helps the audience better understand the implications of the restructuring on the DRDO’s functioning.
Addressing the much-debated issue of ‘delays’ in delivering technology, Guruprasad shared a thought-provoking perspective, “I always quote this – If a system is developed in exactly the time given, at the cost originally calculated, then probably it is a mediocre system— innovation is not possible in this manner. Innovation doesn’t come within the timeline and cost – it is impossible, and new R&D or innovation doesn’t work. It is like constructing a building or road – defence development is not like that. There will be time and cost overruns; despite that, the DRDO has developed many great systems.” This insight into the complexities of defence development is sure to enlighten the audience and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the DRDO.
The eminent scientist is enthusiastic about integrating the armed forces more extensively into the design and development process. This integration will allow for faster identification and correction of any issues during the design and development phase, ultimately leading to reduced program delays. Additionally, the scientist stressed that delays are an inherent aspect of any Research and Development (R&D) program.
Commenting on attracting new talents to the organisation, the DRDO’s veteran observed that scientists need to be treated differently regarding human resource management. They usually pursue their research in a focused area, and only after long years in that area can they deliver cutting-edge research. Today, DRDO doesn’t adequately appeal to freshers interested in campus placements at premier institutes. However, DRDO trains its own manpower. He said that the parallel induction of scientists from other establishments who have performed well in a field of interest to the DRDO needs to be pursued.
“This is where DRDO needs a fresh look at how to manage HR, how to send people to upgrade their knowledge, and how to redeploy them as they upgrade their knowledge. It is where it is required,” Guruprasad said.
As India navigates the complexities of modern warfare and strategic autonomy, the reinvigoration of DRDO emerges as a linchpin in the nation’s quest for self-reliance and technological prowess on the global stage. With stakeholders aligned with an articulated vision for the future, DRDO stands poised to ascend to new heights in service to the nation’s defence and security imperatives.
Team BharatShakti
