Formal institutional framework needed to drive SCADA indigenization, says Committee
- August 24, 2026
A specially-constituted committee to formulate the trajectory of indigenization of SCADA system in India has recommended that a formal institutional framework is needed to drive indigenization of SCADA system in India.
The committee has also recommended that for the development and the comprehensive integration of all SCADA system components, one of the following development models may be adopted:
- Nomination basis: Government PSU or PSUs having experience in SCADA development and application, such as C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing), may be nominated
- Collaboration/consortium basis: Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) or Grid Controller of India Ltd (GRID-INDIA) may initiate the expression of interest inviting process, within one year
With respect to testing of SCADA system, a platform for testing of indigenous SCADA modules by simulation of possible operation needs and for testing of cybersecurity aspects, is to be established, within the next two years, with government funding, the committee said.
The committee, sharing its recommendation for pilot projects, said that such projects should be taken up under the state, regional or national load dispatch centre for demonstration and real-time field testing and validation of indigenous SCADA software and hardware.
Overall, the committee has formulated a trajectory for indigenous development of 38 software modules and 25 hardware modules, spread over FY27, FY28 and FY29, which is by March 2029.
The full report is available on CEA’s official website and may be accessed using this external link
Background
- Indigenization of SCADA (Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition) systems, which are presently being imported, was identified as an important action point for enhancing self-reliance and cyber-resilience of the power system, during the Prime Minister’s sectoral review meeting in December 2025.
- The Union power secretary decided that India will not import SCADA systems beyond 2030 and efforts need to be made for indigenization.
- On December 16, 2025, a committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Member (Planning), Central Electricity Authority, to formulate the “Trajectory of Indigenization of SCADA System.”
- The committee readied its report in July 2026 and the same has now been promulgated by Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
What is SCADA?
SCADA stands for Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition. Supervisory control is defined as the ability to exercise control over a specific device, and to confirm its performance in accordance with the directed action. A system is in the supervisory control category when the distance between the controlling location and the controlled device is such that direct-wire control is impractical.
Featured photograph showing a SCADA centre of Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Ltd (MPPTCL) in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, is for representation only. (Photo: MPPTCL).