Parliamentary Panel Urges DRDO to Set Clear, Measurable Performance Targets

New Delhi: A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has called on the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to urgently establish clear and measurable performance benchmarks for its projects, with emphasis on cost control, technological progress, timelines and operational outcomes.

In its report tabled in Parliament on Friday, the committee said the organisation should expeditiously finalise and notify DRDO Key Performance Indicators covering cost efficiency, technological maturity, target dates, project completion periods and operational effectiveness.

The panel also recommended introducing a structured, transparent and periodic benchmarking system to assess the progress of defence research projects. It asked the Ministry of Defence to provide details of measures taken to improve project execution, ensure effective utilisation of funds and prevent cost overruns in its action-taken report.

The committee also examined workplace mechanisms available to women employees in DRDO. It noted that the organisation provides equal opportunities and has systems for addressing grievances, including Internal Complaints Committees, the Sexual Harassment Electronic Box (She-Box) and nodal officers across laboratories.

While acknowledging these arrangements, the panel urged DRDO to strengthen its complaint-handling system and ensure strict compliance with the standard operating procedure for dealing with cases under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.

Panel seeks stronger support for armed forces families

The committee also reviewed welfare measures being implemented for ex-servicemen and their dependents. It appreciated initiatives such as enhanced financial assistance, expanded legal aid, Integrated Sainik Complexes and consultations with stakeholders.

However, the panel pointed out that the ministry had not adequately addressed its earlier recommendation for a comprehensive study on additional welfare opportunities for children, wards and widows of armed forces personnel.

It reiterated that the study should be conducted in consultation with the Ministry of Education, state governments, professional regulatory authorities and other relevant stakeholders.

The proposed assessment should examine ways to expand educational opportunities and consider additional support measures, including the feasibility of increasing reservation for children and wards of defence personnel in professional colleges across the country.

The committee asked the ministry to submit details of the progress made and its considered views on the matter at the earliest.

Time bound plan sought for ECHS digital migration

The panel welcomed the migration of applications under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) to the National Government Cloud.

It recommended preparing a time-bound roadmap covering completion of the migration, integration of participating stakeholders and operationalisation of a unified digital platform.

The committee also took note of the higher defence capital allocation during the current financial year in view of Operation Sindoor. It said the increased allocation reflects the government’s emphasis on strengthening defence research and development.

The panel strongly recommended a progressive rise in defence R&D spending over the next five years, stressing that sustained investment is essential to achieving technological self-reliance and improving the international competitiveness of India’s defence industry.

Defence R&D roadmap needs close monitoring

In a separate observation, the committee said the proposed five-year R&D roadmap should be closely monitored to ensure that planned investments translate into greater indigenisation.

The roadmap envisages an investment of Rs 33,000 crore over five years. The panel said implementation should focus on reducing India’s dependence on imported defence technology and equipment.

The committee also highlighted the expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC). With demand for affiliation remaining high across the country, the government has approved an additional three lakh cadet vacancies.

Enrolment for the newly sanctioned positions has begun and is expected to be completed in phases between 2025 and 2028.