Study Visit of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence to Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL)

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence (SCoD), under the Chairmanship of Hon'ble Shri Jual Oram, undertook an on-the-spot study visit to NPOL, Kochi, on 12th May 2023. Shri. M Z Siddique, Distinguished Scientist, Director General, Naval Systems & Materials (NS & M), Shri. Purusottam Bej, Outstanding Scientist, Director General, Resource & Management (R & M) & Dr K. Ajith Kumar, Scientist' G' and Director NPOL welcomed the Chairman and 21-member delegation comprising Hon'ble Members of Parliament, Officials from Lok Sabha Secretariat and MoD.

The committee witnessed underwater sensors and related technologies developed by NPOL including live demos of various systems. The delegation appreciated NPOL's R&D efforts in developing sonar systems for Indian Navy.

Director NPOL, presented the historical background and overview of the Lab. He briefed the committee on the research and development activities at NPOL, including industry & academia participation leading to import substitution, which would significantly boost the 'Aatma Nirbhar Bharat' and India's 'Make in India' commitment. He also briefly explained the major sonar development programmes and projects of NPOL, considering the Indian Navy’s requirements. In addition, the state-of-the-art sonar development infrastructure established at NPOL, was also appraised to the committee.

Chairperson SCoD appreciated the presentation made and the clarifications provided by NPOL. Director NPOL, replied to the insightful queries posed by the Hon'ble members. The delegation appreciated the indigenisation efforts of NPOL's Scientists and Staff and wished them success in all their future endeavours.