Question : DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF DEFENCE EQUIPMENT

(a) the share of domestic production of defence equipment in value terms out of the total expenditure on equipment during the last three years and the current year;

(b) whether the Union Government has approached the State Government of Gujarat for development of defence industries jointly and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether shortage of skilled manpower is hampering the development of domestic defence industries in the country if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has requested the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the University Grants Commission and other State Governments to bring changes in the education syllabus in order to meet the requirement of skilled manpower for domestic defence industries and if so, the details and the present status thereof; and

(e) the other steps being taken by the Government in consultation with State Government and the DRDO to encourage domestic production of defence equipment and weapons?

MINISTER OF STATE (RAO INDERJIT SINGH) IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(a) Over a three year period, i.e. 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13, 69% of the total capital and revenue requirement of Services was met through indigenous procurement. Data for the year 2013-14 and the current year is being compiled.

(b) No, Madam.

(c) There is no shortage of skilled manpower in Defence Public Sector Undertakings and Ordnance Factories under this Ministry.

(d) No such request has been made by DRDO.

(e) Government has always supported and encouraged domestic production of defence equipment and weapons. Defence Production Policy, 2011 lays emphasis on achieving substantive self-reliance in the design, development and production of equipment / weapon systems / platforms. Provisions have already been made in Defence Procurement Procedure to encourage procurement of indigenous defence products.