Hyderabad, March 14: Union Minister of State for Defence, M.M. Pallam Raju has said the new Defence Procurement Procedure 2011 was aimed at achieving substantive self-reliance in the design, development and production of equipment, weapon systems and platforms for defence in as early a timeframe as possible.
Giving the valedictory address at Def+Contract India 2011, a 3-day expo organised here by the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and Federation of Indian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (FISME) on Sunday, he said the policy was drafted to create a conducive atmosphere for the private industry to take an active role in the endeavour.
The policy aimed at enhancing the potential of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in indigenisation and broadening the defence R & D base in the country, he said. India was emerging as one of the fastest growing aerospace markets in the world, he added.
Modernisation of airports
Mr. Raju said the thrust was now on modernisation of airports, communication, navigation and surveillance systems for aircraft management and maintenance, repairs and overhaul facilities for aircraft and sub-systems.
Minister for Handlooms, P. Sankar Rao, said he would ensure that small industries got their quota by way of a 20 per cent and preferential procurement from all Government departments. He would see that all departments follow the rule.
International expo
Principal Secretary, Industries J.C. Sharma and Chairman of the Exhibition Satish Gottipati also spoke. Mr. Satish said there were 146 stalls at the first-ever International Expo, with Karnataka as a partner State.
sHe said it was decided that henceforth, such exhibitions would be organised every year with Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka hosting it alternatively.
While FISME President Mohan Suresh welcomed, Zonal General Manager, NSIC, Ravi Kumar proposed the vote of thanks.
-Agencies