DAC approves procurement from start-ups & and MSMEs
The Defence Acquisition Council has approved procurement under iDEX for the first time.
For the first time, Defence Acquisition Council has approved procurement of 14 items worth Rs 380 crore from iDEX start-ups, and MSMEs. These items will be procured by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
- iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) was launched in the year 2018. The objective is to induct state-of-the-art and disruptive technologies into the Armed Forces at the earliest.
- These objectives will be achieved by emphasizing on the start-ups ecosystem and ensuring self-reliance and indigenisation.
- iDEX is funded and managed by the Defence Innovation Organization (DIO). iDEX has been incorporated as a not-for-profit entity under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 for the above purpose.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):
- It is the apex decision making body on new policies and capital acquisitions for the three armed forces (Army, Navy and Air Force), and the Indian Coast Guard.
- It is under the Ministry of Defence. The Defence Minister is the chairman of this council.
Other Government Initiatives for Procurement of Arms:
- DPSU’S Indigenization Portal – SRIJAN has been launched. It provides development support to MSMEs/Start-ups/Industry.
- Defence Industrial Corridors have been approved in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
- Defence Investor call: It looks after and provides solutions to queries related to investment opportunities, procedures and regulatory requirements. Also, it provides other information as well.
- Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been approved in the Defence sector.
Source – The Hindu
