Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman (File photo)

BENGALURU: In a major policy shift, the defence ministry has decided to allow private firms to self-certify the quality of their products. While industry terms it progressive, defence employees have denounced the move.

The policy, which will also cover defence public sector units (DPSUs), was notified on May 13. Approved by defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman , the objective of the policy is to promote ease of doing business and achieve the vision of ‘Make in India’. As per the policy, a mechanism will be instituted for awarding self-certification status to private industry and DPSUs. Currently, supplies by DPSUs and private vendors are subjected to clearance by the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA).

Slamming the policy, All India Defence Employees Federation , in a statement, said: “This is the latest bombshell on DGQA. In the name of ease of doing business, government is getting rid of another defence establishment.”

‘Scheme to encourage defence companies assume responsibility’

However, the policy paper says that when suppliers with self-evident quality systems are awarded self-certification status, it encourages them to assume direct responsibility to sustain and improve quality. The responsibility of awarding this status will remain with DGQA.

Former DGQA chief Lt Gen Shamsher Singh (retd), who spearheaded the new policy, said: “This is a very positive move. Although the existing policy allowed self-certification in some form, DGQA still had to clear inspection notes from vendors.” Allaying fears of employee unions, he said: “This is the way forward if we want to achieve Make in India.”

Not convinced, MK Ravindra Pillai, leader staff side, Joint Consultative Machinery, DGQA, said: “There has been a concerted effort to reduce staff at DGQA to prevent union activity because we’ve been fighting corruption. This is another attempt. We’ll protest on Tuesday, and a nationwide protest will take place after the new government comes to power.”

In the policy paper, the ministry said the scheme is intended to integrate quality throughout manufacturing by ensuring better reliability of products. In a world of fierce competition where quality is the defining factor, it’s imperative that defence suppliers are responsible for it, the ministry said.

Hailing the move, Rahul Chaudhry, chairman, Defence Innovators and Industry Association, said: “The government has finally removed one of the biggest hurdles to the Make in India programme.” The MoD said the scheme is open only to vendors with state-of-the-art manufacturing who have demonstrated capability to consistently fulfil stipulated requirements during execution of orders.

