Military capability of nation depends on self-reliance: Bhamre

New Delhi, Sept 28: Stressing that self-reliance was the corner stone on which the military capability of any nation must rest, Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre today said the same also worked as the guiding principle of major government policies. Addressing the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Directorate General of Quality Assurance at the DRDO Bhawan here, Dr Bhamre complemented the DGQA for firmly supporting the combat effectiveness of the India Army and Navy, while handling a very large bandwidth of technology and an inventory of equipment, unparalleled anywhere in the country. The Minister appreciated professionalism, dedication and excellence of the DGQA personnel and went on to highlight that numerous initiatives of the Department of Defence Production like the Green Channel Status and Self Certification would go a long way in realising the objective of 'Make in India'. He pointed out that preference given to Indigenous Design, Development and Manufacture (IDDM) has been reflected in DPP-2016, urging that the organisation should realign itself with the best practices all over the world. Director General of DGQA Lt Gen Shamsher Singh highlighted the achievements of the organisation, saying that all its 36 laboratories are NABL accredited and 99 of its establishments have been granted ISO certification. The organisation has quality assured Defence stores worth Rs 28,878 crore during the financial year 2016-17. In addition, DGQA has been providing assistance to the User and Manufacturer in difficult and trying situations, warranting the technical expertise and hands-on experience. Lt Gen Singh also informed that during the last one month as part of their celebrations, the organisation, having pan India presence, had organised a tree plantation drive, wherein 23,000 saplings were planted. Though the origin of the DGQA dates back to 1869, when the first Inspectorate was set up at Ammunition Factory, Kirkee, the organisation came into its present incarnation in 1957, when Maj Gen Pratap Narain was appointed as the first Director General on September 27, 1957, the DG added. Dr Bhamre also released the 'First Day Cover' and a portal for e-registration of vendors. Secretary (Defence Production) Ashok Gupta was present on the occasion. UNI