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@article{179671,
        author = {Deepshikha Choudhary},
        title = {BRIDGING BUREAUCRACY AND BATTLEFIELD: A PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION PERSPECTIVE ON REFORMING INDIA’S DEFENCE PROCUREMENT AND LOGISTICS ECOSYSTEM},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {11},
        number = {12},
        pages = {7112-7122},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=179671},
        abstract = {India’s ability to respond to evolving national security threats hinges on the efficiency and agility of its defence procurement and logistics ecosystem. Despite significant policy innovations such as the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020), Make-II, and the iDEX framework, India’s acquisition system remains hindered by procedural bottlenecks, fragmented civil-military coordination, and an overdependence on the lowest financial bid (L1) model. This article examines these systemic constraints not merely as policy challenges, but as manifestations of deeper administrative dysfunction.
Positioned within a public administration framework, the study employs theories of New Public Management, Institutional Isomorphism, and Collaborative Governance to analyse the cultural and structural impediments that affect India’s defence readiness. Through case analysis, audit reviews, and comparative insights from the U.S., Israel, and France, it reveals how outdated bureaucratic norms and rigid procurement hierarchies erode operational flexibility and strategic alignment.
The paper argues for a paradigmatic shift, from reactive procurement to anticipatory, performance-driven acquisition. Key recommendations include the formation of a specialised Defence Procurement Cadre, adoption of lifecycle-based costing and performance-based logistics models, and institutional integration via a National Military Logistics and Procurement Command. Digital platforms infused with AI and blockchain technologies are also proposed to enhance transparency and speed.
This research contends that reforming defence procurement is not only an economic or strategic imperative but an administrative necessity. Without reengineering governance structures and accountability systems, India risks undermining its own defence modernisation and indigenisation goals. Bridging the divide between bureaucracy and battlefield, this article offers a governance-centric blueprint for achieving Atmanirbharta, not merely in manufacturing, but in decision-making, execution, and defence preparedness.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {May},
        }