DRDO seeks hike in budget, cites China

DRDO, the premier defence research organisation, today sought a hike in its budget, saying China was spending close to 20 per cent of its defence outlay on R&D as compared to a mere 5-6 per cent in India which was "inadequate" to meet growing defence needs.
It also pitched for increased manpower while noting that a top heavy institution with a narrow base is not an ideal situation and that young scientists are required to work on technological needs of tomorrow.
Director General of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) S Christopher said there were a few issues which continued to remain a cause of concern and came in the way of the organization's growth.

"There is a need for enhanced budget and augmentation of scientific manpower. A mere 5-6 per cent of defence budget for R&D is inadequate to meet the aspirations of India's defence needs especially when China spends about 20 per cent of their defence budget for R&D," he said inaugurating the 39th Directors' Conference of DRDO here.
Raising the issue of manpower, he said it has remained stagnant since 2001.
"This is an issue which DRDO has been pursuing for a long time and currently a case for 436 scientists is with the government for approval," he said, adding that any research and development institution depends on new blood to work on technological needs of tomorrow.

"Today the average age of scientist in DRDO is over 40 years. A top heavy and narrow base is not a healthy structure for R&D organisations. We hope the government will appreciate the gravity of the situation and take appropriate measures to ensure manpower," he said.

On his part, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar assured DRDO of all help but said scientists need to constantly upgrade themselves and "roll up their sleeves".
DRDO should involve the industry in producing the technologies which they have developed. "Hand-hold the industry to make some products which you may have developed", he said.
Parrikar said the close interface of DRDO with Navy in developing technology products is well matured. DRDO should now develop similar level of interface with Army and IAF, he said.

Parrikar directed the top brass of DRDO to avoid duplication or overlapping of activities by Laboratories for greater economic efficiency. In this regard, the Cluster Heads have a major role to play. He asked the scientists not to rest on laurels but seek greater heights in innovation and technology.