For the first time, defense acquisition council (DAC) approves procure-ment under idex.

Why in news?

• For the first time, DAC has cleared the procurement of 14 items worth Rs 380 crore from Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) start-ups and MSMEs. These items will be procured by Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
• The iDEX was launched in 2018 with the objective of incorporating cutting-edge and disruptive technologies in the Armed Forces in a quick time-frame by emphasizing on the startup ecosystem and ensuring self-reliance and indigenization.
• iDEX is funded and managed by a “Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) formed as a “not for profit” company as per Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 for this purpose.
• To boost ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat; these proposals have been approved under ‘Buy (Indian IDDM- (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured))’ category part of the initial Defence Procurement Procedure-2016. The procedure was further updated in 2020.

About DAC

• It is the highest decision-making body in the Defence Ministry for deciding on new policies and capital acquisitions for the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force) and the Indian Coast Guard.
• Minister of Defence is the Chairman of the Council.

 Other Government initiatives for Arm procurement

• Indigenisation portal- SRIJAN to provide development support to MSMEs/Startups/Industry.
• Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
• Defence Investor Cell: To provide information including addressing queries related to investment opportunities, procedures and regulatory requirements.