New Delhi: A parliamentary panel has recommended prioritising and fast-tracking the acquisition of drone and counter-drone systems in border guarding forces with an emphasis on “prioritising indigenous technology” and command-and-control mechanisms.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, chaired by BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Agrawal, made the recommendation in the Demands for Grants report tabled in both Houses on Tuesday.
“Considering the increasing use of drones for surveillance, smuggling and hostile activities, the committee recommends that procurement and deployment of drone and counter-drone systems may be accorded priority and fast-tracked, especially in border guarding forces,” it said.
The panel said “indigenous technology solutions may be encouraged, and integrated command-and-control mechanisms may be developed” to ensure real-time surveillance, intelligence sharing and operational response across formations.
Special emphasis should be laid on training capacity building measures related to the operation and handling of UAVs and counter-drone systems, it said.
Noting that Modernisation Plan-IV of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) aims to bridge the technological gap between existing inventory and contemporary operational requirements, the panel flagged that procurement delays due to technical complexities and tender-related issues have resulted in delays in implementation.
“The committee recommends that a streamlined procurement framework with better technical vetting, advance planning and monitoring of delivery schedules may be initiated to avoid last-minute rush and accumulation of committed liabilities,” it said.
The panel suggested that sustained capital allocation under both scheme and general budget heads may be ensured to progressively modernise weapons, communication systems, surveillance equipment and protective gear so as to enhance operational preparedness of CAPFs in diverse and challenging environments.
It also underlined that dwelling units for the CAPF personnel were “significantly below the authorised strength,” with only 1,35,544 dwelling units presently in place against a sanctioned capacity of 2,68,346 units.
“In addition, 10,430 units are currently under construction, which, when completed, will marginally improve the situation. At present, the housing satisfaction level stands at 50.14 per cent, reflecting the considerable shortfall in meeting the sanctioned requirements.
“Upon completion of the ongoing projects, this figure is projected to rise to 54.03 per cent, indicating some progress but still underscoring the persistent gap between authorised strength and actual availability,” it said.
The panel recommended sustained and time-bound augmentation of dwelling units with priority given to personnel deployed in hard-duty, border and high-risk operational in allotment of residential accommodation.
