Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday inaugurated Shaurya Van in Jaisalmer and also visited the 1971 Indo-Pak war museum.
Shaurya Van, a new light-and-sound show in the Thar Desert, is dedicated to the bravery of Indian soldiers. The show honours the sacrifices of the Armed Forces and showcases their valour. It is held at the 1971 Indo-Pak museum in Jaisalmer.
Earlier on the day, Rajnath Singh released the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 at a function in South Block, New Delhi, according to a Ministry of Defence release. Effective from November 1, the manual will facilitate revenue procurement of approximately Rs one lakh crore by the three Services and other establishments under the Ministry of Defence.
Appreciating the efforts of the MoD and HQ Integrated Defence Staff in revising the manual, Singh expressed confidence that DPM 2025 would simplify procedures, bring uniformity in functioning, and ensure timely provision of goods and services required by the Armed Forces for operational preparedness. He also noted that the manual would create more opportunities for MSMEs and start-ups in defence manufacturing and technology, while maintaining fairness, transparency, and accountability in procurement.
Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Dr. Mayank Sharma provided an overview of DPM 2025 and highlighted that the manual was prepared in close consultation with the Services and other stakeholders.
Several key provisions have been revised to expedite decision-making and promote ease of doing business. Liquidated damages (LD) levied on delayed deliveries have been relaxed, with a maximum of 10 per cent applicable only in cases of inordinate delay. For indigenisation, the LD has been further reduced to 0.1 per cent per week instead of 0.5 per cent per week as in other cases.
The manual also allows for assured orders up to five years and beyond for items developed by public and private players under indigenisation. Limited Tender Enquiries can now be used for values up to Rs 50 lakh, with higher amounts permitted in exceptional cases.
Additionally, the requirement to obtain a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board before procuring from other sources has been removed. The manual also provides for a 15 per cent growth provision for Repairs/Refits of ships and Repair/Overhauling of Aviation equipment, helping reduce downtime and ensuring operational readiness. Provisions for procurement on a PAC (Proprietary Article Certificate) basis have been redefined while maintaining the initial validity for two years.
All Request For Proposals (RFPs) issued after November 1 will follow the provisions of DPM 2025, while RFPs issued up to October 31 will continue under the DPM 2009 framework. In cases where previously issued RFPs are retracted and reissued on or after November 1, DPM 2025 provisions will apply.
For user convenience, DPM 2025 has been compiled in two volumes. Volume I covers the main procurement procedures, while Volume II contains all forms, appendices, and government orders referred to in Volume I. The fourteen chapters in Volume I include three new chapters: Promoting Self-reliance through Innovation and Indigenisation, Information and Communication Technology Procurement, and Consultancy and Non-Consultancy Services. The chapter on self-reliance aims to foster indigenous design and development of defence items, aligning with India’s goal of Aatmanirbharta in defence manufacturing and technology. The soft copy of DPM 2025 has been made available on the MoD website.
-ANI