Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said that “this government does not shy away from taking bold decisions in the interest of the Nation.

NEW DELHI, Dec 13 (The CONNECT) - The defence sector has entered into a new era due to the policies, vision and mindset of this Government.

Stating this, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today said that “this government does not shy away from taking bold decisions in the interest of the Nation”.

He was speaking at the inauguration of several iconic events of Department of Defence Production (DDP), as part of Ministry of Defence dedicated week from December 13-19, 2021 to celebrate ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ commemorating 75 years of Independence.

He launched a virtual exhibition, ‘Path to Pride’, public exhibitions, curated museums and a booklet showcasing 75 resolutions of DDP were launched by the Raksha Mantri.

Rajnath Singh listed out a number of policy reforms aimed at promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing. He made special mention of the corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), saying that the move will make OFB more effective &efficient and unleash its true potential. The Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, increasing the FDI limit to 74 per cent through automatic route and 100 per cent through

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Gen Rawat’s dream: Rajnath Singh paid rich tributes to country’s Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and other Armed Forces personnel, who lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu on December 08 and extended his condolences to the family members. “General Rawat still had a lot to do. Modernisation of our Armed Forces and complete self-reliance in the defence sector were subjects close to his heart. Now, it is our responsibility to work tirelessly to achieve the objective even sooner,” he said.

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Government route under certain circumstances, unveiling of draft Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020, notifying two positive indigenisation lists of over 200 items, earmarking of about 64 per cent of its modernisation funds under the capital acquisition budget for 2021-22 for procurement from domestic industries and launch of Innovations For Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative are some of the reforms measures that the government undertook.

Appreciating the fact that the private sector has contributed to about 90 per cent of country’s defence exports, he  exuded confidence that the “active and continued partnership” between the Government and the private sector will help achieve ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision of the Prime Minister.

He expressed the hope that the week-long events will generate awareness among people about the progress made in the defence sector, instil national spirit and further strengthen their trust in the country’s defence preparedness.