Question: Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to satate :-

(a) whether the Government proposes to establish the National Institute for Research and Development in Defence Shipbuilding (NIRDESH) in Kerala;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the steps taken by the Government to transform NIRDESH into a state-of-the-art institute;and

(d) the time by which NIRDESH is likely to start functioning?

Answer: Minister of Defence (Shri A.K. Antony)

(a) National Institute for Research and Development in Defence Shipbuilding (NIRDESH) has been established.

(b) NIRDESH institute is set up as an autonomous society under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production. The foundation stone was laid on 4th January, 2011 at Chaliyam, Kozhikode, Kerala. Raksha Mantri heads the Board of Governors as the President, with representatives from the MoD, Indian Navy, Coast Guard and CMDs of Defence Public Sector Shipyards as members.

(c) NIRDESH has initiated the process of appointing the Consultant for preparation of Master Plan and Detailed Project Reports. Presently one building is functional at the NIRDESH site. Government has assigned the charge of DG, NIRDESH to a Joint Secretary in Department of Defence Production, and support staff has been taken on deputation from Shipyards.

(d) NIRDESH is already functioning.

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