Cutting across party lines, Members of Parliament (MPs) of the Consultative Committee attached to Defence Ministry, at a meeting on 06 November 2013, appreciated the successes of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) in the field of missile systems. But they were critical of delays in the development of Main Battle Tank (MBT), LCA and the Kaveri Engine. The MPs felt that DRDO has to plan its projects keeping in mind the futuristic security needs of the country and deliver on time. The Members of Parliament also expressed concern at the dwindling allocation of resources for DRDO and were unanimous that the government should provide adequate funds to keep the R&D efforts going without any hiccups. Defence Minister AK Antony strongly urged DRDO to complete all its projects within the prescribed time- limits, concentrate on high-end research, particularly in critical and strategic areas and ensure that the Initial Operational Clearance and Final Operational Clearance of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) are completed on schedule.
Presently, 532 projects pertaining to mission mode, technology demonstrator, infrastructure facilities, science and technology being carried out by DRDO, are in various stages of implementation. Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri Avinash Chander said since 02 September 2013 structural changes have been brought about in the functioning of DRDO on lines with the recommendations of the Rama Rao Committee Report for greater efficiency and accountability.
