Industry Odisha Bureau, Jun 29: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday released the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026), a major reform to enhance efficiency, accountability, and timely execution of strategic R&D projects.
The DFP-2026 will facilitate faster production and induction of systems, platforms & technologies emerging from the R&D ecosystem into the Defence Forces, stated the Raksha Mantri, adding that the new framework will foster stronger collaboration with the industry and academia, reinforcing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
He furthered that the revised framework will contribute to enhanced self-reliance in defence technologies and strengthen the nation’s defence preparedness.
The DFP-2026 aims to significantly enhance functional empowerment at various levels within the Department of Defence R&D.
The revised framework addresses several critical requirements, including dedicated financial provisions for trial campaigns, tests and evaluation activities, authorisation for sanctioning pre-project R&D initiatives, and clear segregation of financial powers for grants-in-aid pertaining to Extra-Mural Research Projects, Defence Innovation Accelerator-Centres of Excellence, and Technology Development Fund projects under the respective schedules.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which functions under the Ministry of Defence, is expected to benefit significantly from the updated financial structure. The framework introduces dedicated provisions for trial campaigns, testing, evaluation activities, and pre-project R&D approvals.
It also clarifies financial powers related to grants-in-aid for extramural research projects, innovation centres of excellence, and technology development fund initiatives.
Officials said the reform will ensure clearer segregation of financial responsibilities and accelerate decision-making processes, ultimately leading to faster delivery of critical defence systems.
Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani; Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh; Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar; Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Sukriti Likhi; Controller General of Defence Accounts Anugraha Narayana Das; DG (Naval Systems & Materials), DRDO RV Hara Prasad; DG (Resources & Management) Dr Ravindra Singh; Additional Financial Advisor & JS Ajeet Kumar Srivastava; Director, Directorate of Finance & Material Management Dr Maiya Din and other senior officials were present during the event in New Delhi.
