Ordnance Factory Day 2023: In India, Ordnance Factory Day is celebrated annually on March 18th, marking the establishment of the first Ordnance factory by the British in Cossipore, Kolkata, in 1801 during colonial rule. The Ministry of Defence celebrates this day by raising the Indian flag, singing the national anthem, and showcasing various artillery and military equipment used by the Indian Armed Forces to the public. Ordnance Factories are a government branch responsible for researching, developing, testing, producing, and marketing weapons for the military.
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The day is significant as it recognizes the contribution of Ordnance factories to India’s defense capabilities and the tireless efforts of the personnel who work in these factories to ensure the safety and security of the country. It is an occasion to honor the achievements of the Ordnance factories and pay tribute to the brave soldiers who use the equipment produced by them to protect the nation.
The celebration of Indian Ordnance Factory Day also provides an opportunity for the Ministry of Defence to showcase the latest military equipment and technology developed by the Ordnance factories to the public. This helps to raise awareness about the importance of the Ordnance factories and their contribution to India’s defense infrastructure. Overall, Indian Ordnance Factory Day is a significant day that highlights the vital role played by the Ordnance factories in securing the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Ordnance Factories in India were previously operated under the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). However, in 2021, the Government of India decided to transfer control of these 41 production units to seven government-owned companies under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence (DDP). This transfer took place on October 1, 2021, leading to the dissolution of the old Ordnance Factory Board.
Although the Gun and Shell Factory, formerly known as the Cossipore Gun Carriage Agency, was established in 1801, the history of Ordnance factories dates back to 1712 when the Dutch Ostend Company established a Gunpowder Factory in Ichhapur, North 24 Parganas, present-day West Bengal. Other gunpowder and rifle factories also emerged in the same region before 1801.
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