Department of Defence Production Pushes for DGQA Restructuring to Accelerate Defence Production

New Delhi: In a significant stride towards enhancing business environment and fortifying self-reliance in defence production, Department of Defence Production, within Ministry of Defence, has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA). aim is to streamline quality assurance processes, expedite trials, and trim bureaucratic hurdles, as highlighted in an official statement from Ministry of Defence.  

reorganisation of DGQA not only aims to modernise quality assurance methodologies but also aligns with revised role of DGQA post corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). With transformation of Ordnance Factories into new Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), coupled with increased involvement of private defence industry and government's focus on indigenisation, a strategic revamp of DGQA was deemed crucial to provide effective support to burgeoning defence manufacturing sector.  

Structural enhancements and functional refinement  

Under ongoing restructuring, DGQA has been actively involved in implementing various organisational and functional reforms following extensive consultations with stakeholders across defence manufacturing ecosystem. revamped structure aims to offer consolidated technical support for entire equipment and weapon platforms at all levels while ensuring consistency in product-based quality assurance. ditionally, introduction of a dedicated Directorate of Defence Testing and Evaluation Promotion is set to facilitate transparent allocation of proof ranges and testing facilities.

reorganised framework, coupled with ongoing functional reforms, is poised to invigorate indigenisation drive under 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India) initiative. By providing Indian standards or equivalents to guide domestic manufacturers, revamped DGQA is expected to catalyse production of high-quality, certified defence products, reby fostering export opportunities. implementation of automation and digitisation of standardised quality assurance processes is anticipated to significantly enhance collaboration between defence industry and DGQA.  

Role and functions of DGQA  

Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), a venerable institution under Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, boasts a rich legacy spanning over a century. It is tasked with providing quality assurance coverage across spectrum of arms, ammunition, equipment, and stores supplied to Armed Forces. ditionally, DGQA plays a pivotal role in import substitution and collaborates with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on various development projects.

In a bid to stay abreast of evolving demands and technological vancements, DGQA is diversifying its portfolio to include novel initiatives. se include facilitating grant of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) to innovations in defence domain, establishing state-of--art test labs for defence testing, accrediting Third-Party Inspection (TPI) agencies, granting Self-Certification to established defence manufacturers, and providing Certification to Potential Defence Exporters, certifying ir products as Fit for Indian Military use.  

In essence, reorganisation of DGQA represents a pivotal step towards modernising quality assurance practices, bolstering indigenous defence capabilities, and propelling India towards self-reliance in defence sector.