Defence Ministry Unveils 'Sampurna': A Game-Changing Digital Procurement System
The Ministry of Defence is poised to launch 'Sampurna', an innovative end-to-end digital procurement management system designed to meticulously track every defence purchase from its initial conception through to the final payment stage. This groundbreaking initiative aims to bring unprecedented transparency and efficiency to India's vast defence acquisition processes.
Project Approvals and Implementation Timeline
Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) Vishvajit Sahay confirmed that the project has secured all necessary approvals, with a Request for Proposal (RFP) already issued. The Defence Accounts Department (DAD) anticipates finalizing the contract by early March, followed by immediate commencement of implementation. "We are in constant dialogue with the services to bring them on board. It is a work in progress, but we are confident of moving ahead quickly and commence the work by March," Sahay stated during a media interaction on the sidelines of the foundation-laying ceremony for the National Academy of Defence Financial Management (NADFM) at Navi Sangvi.
Comprehensive 'Cradle-to-Grave' Procurement Platform
Sahay elaborated that Sampurna, which stands for System Automation for Procurement, Payment and Uniform Raksha Accounting, will function as a "cradle-to-grave" procurement platform. It will capture the entire lifecycle of defence acquisitions, creating a powerful decision-support database for policymakers. "It will record procurement, right from the initiation of statement of case to the final payment. Given the scale of defence procurement in India, this will be a game changer," he emphasized.
Addressing India's Massive Defence Procurement Scale
India's defence procurement involves substantial financial commitments. The Union Budget has allocated Rs 2.2 lakh crore for capital expenditure, with revenue procurement adding significantly to the total annual spending, which exceeds Rs 4 lakh crore. Officials highlighted that the absence of a single, integrated system has previously limited real-time insights from procurement data, especially amidst complex contracts, multiple vendors, and the push for indigenous manufacturing.
Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency in a Layered Ecosystem
With the government prioritizing domestic defence manufacturing, procurement processes have become increasingly layered, involving Indian start-ups, public sector units, private manufacturers, and global suppliers. Sahay noted that Sampurna will be crucial in managing this evolving ecosystem. "By digitizing workflows and payments, it will enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency, while also enabling better monitoring of indigenisation-linked procurement outcomes," he explained.
Integration into DAD's Digital Ecosystem and Future Plans
Once operational, Sampurna will complement the DAD's expanding digital infrastructure, supporting efforts to centralize defence financial data and leverage artificial intelligence and analytics for strategic decision-making. Additionally, the new NADFM campus, spanning 13.5 acres and expected to be ready by mid-2028, will offer comprehensive defence financial management courses. The DAD also plans collaborations with global organizations like the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) to study international defence procurement practices.
SPARSH Pension Platform Nears Full Maturity
In related developments, Sahay announced that the SPARSH (System for Pension Administration Raksha) platform is approaching full operational maturity, with the majority of defence pensioners already migrated to the digital system. "Like any large-scale reform, SPARSH had its challenges, but it rolled out into a very successful system," he remarked, noting ongoing refinements to achieve complete stabilization.
