The Department of Defence Production, a subsidiary of the Indian Government, has launched an initiative known as ‘Mission Raksha GyanShakti.’ The primary objective of this mission is to accelerate the development and protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in the domestic defense industry. The appointed organization to oversee the coordination and implementation of this incredible programme is the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA).
Mission Objectives and Targets
For the fiscal year 2017-18, the mission has set ambitious targets to train 10,000 personnel from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSU) and Ordnance factory Board (OFB) on matters relating to IPR. Furthermore, it plans to aid in the filing of at least 1,000 fresh IPR applications.
The initial phase of IP will commence with the Controller of Indian Patents, who will then progress them to an international level. Although India has acquired multiple technologies via Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreements, any modifications to the designs necessitate consultation with the original manufacturer.
Importance of Mission Raksha GyanShakti
Mission Raksha GyanShakti aims to bring India closer to self-reliance in the defense sector. It marks a significant shift from the conventional practice of procuring Transfer of Technology (ToT) from overseas sources. Instead, the new initiative focuses on generating and protecting Intellectual Property within India itself.
Design or Intellectual Property contributes to more than 50% of the total cost in many cases. In fact, sometimes, it can take up as much as 70-80% of it. The indigenization process, therefore, can lead to cost savings of approximately 50-70%.
| Factors | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Contribution of IP in Total Cost | 50-80% |
| Potential Cost Savings through Indigenization | 50-70% |
Intended Impact of the Mission
The launch of Mission Raksha GyanShakti signifies a crucial step towards strengthening India’s defense sector. By fostering an environment that encourages and protects Intellectual Property Rights, the mission aims to build a self-reliant defense industry. This initiative will not only reduce dependency on foreign technology but also significantly cut down costs involved in the production phase. The training of numerous personnel in IPR is also expected to promote innovation and creativity within the industry. Consequently, it will result in better quality defense equipment and systems, ultimately enhancing the country’s security infrastructure.