Indian Army Launches Blockchain-Driven App to Enhance Procurement Transparency
In a significant move towards enhancing digital innovation and transparency, the Indian Army has unveiled a blockchain-based Vendor Registration Application aimed at streamlining the procurement process for dry rations. This initiative, part of the Army's "Year of Transformation," aims to modernize the onboarding of vendors into the military's supply chain.
The development of this platform was a collaborative effort between the Directorate General of Supplies and Transport (DGST) and the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), which operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
The application was officially launched by Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, who described it as a significant milestone in improving transparency and operational readiness.
Utilizing blockchain technology, the application ensures that each vendor registration remains secure, traceable, and tamper-proof. Vendors now have the ability to register online, track their application status in real time, respond to feedback, and correct discrepancies promptly, thereby eliminating the need for extensive paperwork or in-person visits.
A notable feature of the platform is its integration with national databases such as FSSAI, GST, and GS1, which allows for immediate verification of vendor credentials via APIs. This integration is anticipated to reduce processing times by nearly half while fostering greater accountability.
This initiative is also designed to broaden the range of suppliers, including startups and small enterprises, within the Army's procurement framework. Officials highlight that the application complements the Army Purchase Organisation’s shift to the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform, which currently manages dry ration procurements worth approximately ₹14,000 crore annually.
Emphasizing the Army Service Corps' motto “Seva Asmakam Dharma,” the Army pointed out that the new application signifies more than just a technological advancement. It reflects the Indian Army's increasing commitment to transparency, simplified procedures, and a robust logistics network that can meet the needs of a dynamic defense environment.
