Significant effort to improve the ease of doing business and bolster self-sufficiency in the defence sector, the Department of Defence Production, operating under the Ministry of Defence, has initiated a thorough restructuring of the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA). This reorganization is geared towards simplifying quality assurance procedures, expediting testing processes, and reducing administrative barriers. Moreover, this restructuring aligns with the changing landscape of defence manufacturing following the corporatization of Ordnance Factories.
The recent announcement by the Ministry of Defence highlights the government’s dedication to revitalizing the defence sector by adapting to shifting dynamics and promoting indigenous capabilities. The restructuring of DGQA stands as a crucial step towards achieving these objectives.
As Ordnance Factories transition into new Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private sector involvement in defence manufacturing grows, there emerged a necessity to modernize DGQA to better cater to the needs of this expanding sector. This restructuring has been developed following extensive consultations with stakeholders across the defence manufacturing spectrum.
The revised structure of DGQA aims to offer comprehensive technical assistance for entire equipment and weaponry systems, ensuring uniformity and standardization in quality assurance protocols. Additionally, the introduction of a specialized Directorate of Defence Testing and Evaluation Promotion will facilitate transparent allocation of testing facilities and Proof Ranges, thereby improving efficiency and accountability in the evaluation processes.
Furthermore, the incorporation of automation and digitization into standardized quality assurance procedures is poised to transform the interaction between the Defence Industry and DGQA. This drive towards modernization is anticipated to significantly enhance the manufacturing and certification of high-caliber defence products, reinforcing the nation’s self-sufficiency objectives under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Moreover, the restructured DGQA framework will grant domestic manufacturers access to Indian standards or equivalent benchmarks, fostering an environment conducive to indigenous innovation and manufacturing excellence. This, in turn, is expected to stimulate the export potential of top-tier defence products, positioning India as a significant player in the global defence market.
Overall, the comprehensive reforms within DGQA underscore the government’s steadfast commitment to cultivating a business-friendly atmosphere in the defence sector while simultaneously propelling the nation’s journey towards self-reliance and global competitiveness.
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