Defence Start-ups: In a major boost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship scheme – Make in India – in the defence sector, the government has decided to include private sector companies for giving the awards for excellence. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the proposal to include private Indian defence manufacturers for Raksha Mantri’s Award for Excellence in addition to public sector defence companies and ordnance factory board (OFB). Under the new policy, private Indian companies in defence and aerospace sector, including defence start-ups will be considered for these prestigious awards.
“This move will facilitate widening and deepening of Industrial base in Defence and Aerospace Sector by identifying hidden gems and wider recognition of outstanding Indian firms amongst national and international customers,” said the government.
Earlier only government companies participated for these awards and private defence manufacturers like Larsen & Toubro, Tata Defence, Mahindra Defence, Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL) and several others including medium sized defence companies like Samtel and MKU and others were not eligible for these awards.
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The revised format includes awards in institutional and individual and team category for excellence in technological breakthroughs, indigenization and import substitution and excellence in exports.
Separate sub-categories for large, medium, small and start-ups have been included to provide a level playing field for the competition.
Modi government has also increased cash awards for awards for team and individual categories.
Defence Ministry said: “It will provide a boost to export potential of Indian defence industry, especially for MSME and Start-Up firms, by publicising their outstanding achievements at the global level.”
The nominations for awards will be submitted online and ministry of defence will develop a web portal for the Rakha Mantri’s Awards for Excellence.
The selection process will include assessment by an expert committee of eminent experts. A separate cell for handling all activities pertaining to Raksha Mantri’s Awards will be opened under Director General of Quality Assurance (DGQA).
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Detailed guidelines for ‘Raksha Mantri’s Awards for Excellence in Defence and Aerospace Sector’ are available at https://www.ddpmod.gov.in, http://makeinindiadefence.gov.in and http://www.dgqadefence.gov.in.
