The Department of Defence Production (DOD) is notified that it intends to reorganize the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) to streamline quality assurance processes and reduce layers of decision-making.
The department said that the changes were required in order to expedite the quality assurance processes and trials for defence equipment and weapon platforms. The move is also in line with the government’s efforts to promote indigenisation of defence manufacturing and achieve a goal of ‘Aatmnirbharta in Defence’.
It is anticipated that the new structure will enable single-point technical support for complete equipment and weapon platform at all levels. The new structure also plans to set up a separate Directorate of Defence Testing and Evaluation Promotion to facilitate the transparent allocation of proof ranges and testing facilities.
The department added that the automation and digitization of standardized quality assurance processes will likely improve the engagement of the defence industry with DGQA. The re-organised structure and the ongoing functional reforms are expected to boost the indigenisation drive under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ by enabling the availability of Indian standards and equivalent to guide manufacturers within the country. This will also boost the export of high-quality qualified defence products.