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(The Gist of PIB) E-booklet on 20 MoD reforms in 2020

(THE GIST OF PIB) E-booklet on 20 MoD reforms in 2020

Union Defence Minister released an E-booklet titled ’20 Reforms in 2020’.
This highlighting the major reforms undertaken by Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2020.
Reforms aim to bring about greater cohesion and modernisation of the Armed Forces through policy changes, innovation, and digital transformation.

Key reforms undertaken are:

Post of CDS was created to increase efficiency and coordination among the Armed Forces and reduce duplication, while DMA was established to ensure improved civil-military integration.
New Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, Corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board, Separate Budgetary Allocation for Domestic Capital Acquisition, Push towards new technology development within India (Pinaka rocket sytem, iDEX challenge 4 etc.), Import stopped for several defence equipment items etc.
FDI allowed up to 74% through automatic route and beyond 74% to be permitted through government (approval) route.
10% budget increase in 2020-21 over previous year.
Policy reforms: Defence Acquisition Procedure in September 2020 and revision of DRDO Procurement Manual in October 2020.
Five Young Scientists Laboratories of DRDO were launched, DRDO partnering with industry in design and development etc.
Permanent Commission to Short Service Commission Women officers of Indian Army. Women pilots of Indian Navy were operationalised for the first time.
All Sainik Schools were thrown open for girl students from 2020-21.
Expanding the reach of NCC to remote locations.
Defence Diplomacy in a new helpful Avatar: Indian Defence Forces extend helping hand to friendly foreign countries in distress.
India for the first-time figures in the list of Defence equipment exporting nations (exports expanded to more than 84 countries).