Department of Defence Production To Enable Private Access To DRDO Testing Facilities; Process To Go Digital Soon

New Delhi, Apr 2 (KNN) The Department of Defence Production (DDP) has initiated steps to improve ease of doing business and boost domestic manufacturing in the defence sector, including plans to automate access to testing facilities of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The move follows a stakeholder consultation held under the High-Level Committee (HLC) on Non-Financial Regulatory Reforms (NFRR), where industry participants highlighted multiple compliance and procedural challenges affecting operations.

Push for Streamlined Licensing and Compliance

Key concerns raised included delays in licensing for explosives manufacturing under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), fragmented safety regulations, and restrictive storage limits impacting efficiency.

Industry stakeholders suggested introducing defined timelines for approvals, a single-window clearance system, and a harmonised framework integrating fire and explosives safety compliance to reduce administrative burden.

Operational and Infrastructure Challenges

Participants also pointed to regulatory requirements of taking approval from District Magistrate in case of manufacturer-to-dealer firearm transactions, classification of products like bullet-proof jackets, and categorisation of small arms and ammunition propellants.

Infrastructure gaps, including the need for dedicated explosives depots and improved logistics at key ports such as Kochi and Chennai, were also highlighted.

Focus on Digital Reforms and Testing Access

Officials said the department is working closely with the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to address licensing issues related to hazardous materials.

They also acknowledged limited awareness and procedural complexity in accessing testing facilities at DRDO and Indian Ordinance Factories run laboratories. 

To address this, the government plans to introduce an online system to automate applications and enable easier access for private manufacturers.

Call for Greater Coordination and Clarity

Stakeholders flagged delays in security clearances, particularly from the Intelligence Bureau, and duplication of processes across multiple regulatory agencies.

Suggestions included extending the validity of defence licences, introducing deemed approvals or fixed timelines, and adopting global best practices such as simplified alphanumeric identification systems for firearms.

(KNN Bureau)