DRDO chief raises red flag over fund and manpower crunch

DRDO chief S Christopher raised a red flag on Wednesday saying DRDO lacked funds for critical defence projects and also rued the government’s cold shoulder in catering to manpower shortage in the organisation.

The eminent scientist was picked up by the Modi government as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief in May, four months after the unceremonious exit of Avinash Chander who was terminated 15 months before his contract was to end. 

On the occasion of the the 39th Directors’Conference of DRDO here, Christopher said that there was a need for augmentation of scientific manpower and a mere 5-6% of defence budget for R&D was inadequate to meet the aspirations of India's defence needs especially when China spent about 20% of their defence budget for the same.

"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.

While pointing that the average age of scientist in DRDO is over 40 years and “a top heavy and narrow base is not a healthy structure for R&D organisations”, he asked the government to “appreciate the gravity of the situation and take appropriate measures to ensure manpower".

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who was present on the occasion, assured DRDO of all help but asked the scientists to constantly upgrade themselves and avoid “duplication of work”.

He asked DRDO scientists to “learn” from ‘rishis’, who overcame jealousy and anger since “many tussles and politics” had been seen in the scientists’ community. Parrikar told them to "roll up their sleeves" and put in more effort and questioned why “we cannot produce a basic assault rifle for the armed forces or a good bullet-proof jacket for the troops”.

"For an educated person, to have humility is one of the most important virtues. I think the scientist community should choose to make it part of their overall behaviour and set up. This one apsect...I see many tussles. Politics is everywhere but it is also being sometimes played in a wrong sense. I understand you have high aspirations," Parrikar said. "Defence export from India, which is at about $150 million currently, should be targeted to be increased to $1 billion if not more in the next 2-3 years,” he added.