DRDO to sell products internally

Kharagpur, Aug 18: Premier research and development organisation DRDO, which is currently running Rs.2,000-Rs.20,000 crore projects to protect India from threats from neighbouring countries, has been chartered to sell its products internally and is in talks with various ministries, its chief said here on Tuesday.

Defence Research and Development Organisation director general S. Christopher laid emphasis on boosting of cost-effectiveness and economy to support the growing population which would showcase India's might.

"DRDO is currently running Rs.2,000 to Rs.20,000 crore projects which are to protect the country from threats by neighbouring countries, mission mode and technology development," Christopher said in his address at the 65th foundation day function of Indian Institute of Technology-Kharagpur.

He was honoured with the Distinguished Alumnus Award at the function.

Christopher highlighted the Akash surface-to-air missile system developed by the DRDO, Ordnance Factories Board and Bharat Electronics in India, which was recently inducted in the Indian Air Force.

IIT-Kharagpur has been associated with the radar technology development of the missile which can target aircraft up to a distance of 30 km. The missile is meant for detecting incoming aircraft and missiles.

He said DRDO has been chartered to "sell products internally and is in talk with various ministries already".

"India is importing weapons technology in massive quantity. Export of technology by the DRDO will transform this import culture. The DRDO will be transferring certain medical technology to Patanjali Yogpeeth - Divya Yog Madir Trust through the Indian government. The current government has asked the DRDO to customise technology for common man's use and also combat internal peace disruptions," he said.

One such product, the Bio-Digester, will be used to boost the Swachh Bharat campaign.

The disciplines of biotechnology, agriculture and food technology, nano technology, and life sciences are currently of immense importance at the organization, he said.

He urged students in these fields to collaborate with the DRDO through their academic institutions or focus on career with the DRDO, especially at a time when the organisation is promoting agriculture in difficult terrains like Ladakh and the northeast and is converting them into green areas, improving rainfall and ensuring that people get fresh food.

He said fellowships were available for interested and talented students.

The DRDO has already proposed that the government incorporate 450 new posts in addition to the 7,500-plus posts for scientific research at the organisation.