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Government clears implementation of ‘Make in India’ defence policy
New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) The government on Monday finally approved the implementation of guidelines for the defence Strategic Partnership model that incentivises domestic private as well as foreign firms in military manufacturing in the country.
And the first project to kick off the long-delayed Strategic Partnership policy will be 111 utility twin-engine helicopters worth an estimated Rs 21,000 crore for the Indian Navy.
The decision to implement the policy was taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council — the highest decision-making body on procurement. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman led the meeting.
“In continuation of its efforts to boost indigenous defence industry and to reduce timelines so as to ensure timely delivery of equipment to the Armed Forces, the DAC discussed and approved implementation guidelines for the Strategic Partnership Model,” a defence ministry spokesperson said.
The model promulgated in May 2017 seeks to identify Indian private firms to be designated as Strategic Partners. Apart from allowing private manufacturers, it also keeps the door open for defence PSUs and the Ordnance Factory Board to tie up with foreign original equipment manufacturers to make big-ticket military hardware.
In the initial phase, the selection of such partners would be confined to four segments: Fighter aircraft, helicopters, submarines, armoured fighting vehicles and main battle tanks. In each segment, only one partner would generally be selected, according to the policy.
The model aims to revitalize the defence industrial ecosystem and progressively build indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon systems for the future needs of the Armed Forces.
“The amplifying guidelines lay emphasis on incentivisation of transfer of niche technology and higher indigenous content.
“Global majors, who in collaboration with Indian partners are ready to make India a regional and global manufacturing hub for the platform will also be incentivised.”
The spokesperson said the move would give a “major fillip towards encouraging self-reliance and aligning the defence sector with the “Make in India” initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In an endeavour to convert policy into implementable directions and to kick off the process, the council also approved platform specific guidelines for the procurement of 111 naval utility helicopters.
That ends the Indian Navy’s hunt for a replacement to its ageing fleet of single-engine Chetak helicopters operating from warship decks.
According to defence sources, 16 helicopters would be procured in fly away condition from a foreign vendor and the remaining 95 will be built in India by an Indian partner through joint ventures and technology transfers.
“All procurements under the SP model would be executed by specially constituted Empowered Project Committees (EPC) to provide focussed attention and ensure timely execution,” the spokesperson said.
The DAC also approved the acquisition of eight fast patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard under the “Buy Indian Designed, Developed and Manufactured” category at an approximate cost of Rs 800 crore.
“These vessels will be indigenously designed and manufactured and will strengthen maritime security by undertaking day-night patrolling and policing of the maritime zones of India,” the spokesperson said.
The vessels will be key to the Coast Guard’s anti-terrorist, anti-smuggling operations and will also boost its search and rescue, medical evacuation and disaster relief capabilities.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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