DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, july 9
The Ministry of Defence is dedicated to implementing further reforms aimed at bolstering domestic defence production, as emphasized by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane. Speaking at a National Level Seminar on Quality Reforms held virtually by the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) in collaboration with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) on July 9, 2024, Shri Aramane underscored the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the defence production ecosystem through the adoption of Industry 4.0 and QA 4.0 technologies.
In his keynote address, Shri Aramane highlighted the importance of achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbharata) in defence manufacturing. He stressed that the collaboration and proactive involvement of all stakeholders, particularly the domestic defence industry, are crucial to realizing this vision. The Defence Secretary’s remarks come at a time when India is increasingly focusing on enhancing its defence capabilities and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers. The seminar saw participation from over 250 representatives from various defence industries, including members of SIDM, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, PHD CCI, service headquarters, CMDs of Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), government quality assurance agencies, start-ups, and Ministry of Defence officials. Lt Gen R S Reen, Director General, DGQA, addressed the participants, highlighting the various quality initiatives and reforms undertaken by DGQA to promote ease of doing business and support the goal of Atmanirbharata in the defence sector. He detailed efforts aimed at simplifying procedures and enhancing the quality assurance framework to foster a conducive environment for domestic manufacturers.
Shri Rajinder Singh Bhatia, President of SIDM, provided an industry perspective on the ongoing reforms and the necessity of a collaborative approach between the government and the defence manufacturing sector. He emphasized the need for continuous dialogue and cooperation to address challenges and leverage opportunities in defence production. Eminent speakers from the indigenous defence manufacturing sector, including Shri Arun Ramachandani of L&T Precision Engineering, Shri N Raveeswaran, CEO of A&D Strategic Business at Mahindra Defence, Shri Neeraj Gupta, MD of MKU Ltd, and Ms Vrinda Kapoor, CEO of 3rd iTech, shared their insights on quality assurance. Dr. R Shivaraman from Big Bang Boom Solutions Pvt Ltd also contributed, offering suggestions to facilitate and improve indigenous manufacturing processes. The seminar concluded with a unanimous decision to hold such interactions regularly to foster a better understanding and collaboration among indigenous defence manufacturers, government quality assurance agencies, and other stakeholders.
This initiative aims to further ease the process of doing business in the defence sector, thereby enhancing domestic production capabilities. The Ministry of Defence’s commitment to implementing reforms and supporting the defence production ecosystem reflects its strategic goal of achieving self-reliance and bolstering national security through enhanced domestic manufacturing.
The seminar highlighted the critical role of quality assurance and the need for a concerted effort from all sectors involved to achieve the stipulated goals.
