'Make In India': Recent Initiatives To Enhance Domestic Supply And Reduce Import Dependency
New Delhi: In a written reply, Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada detailed Lok Sabha about the current progress of ‘Make in India’ initiative in increasing domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependency.
The minister said the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes for 14 key sectors (with an incentive outlay of Rs. 1.97 lakh crore) are under implementation to enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports, and as a result of this, total employment in manufacturing sector has increased from 57 million in FY 2017-18 (Economic Survey 2020-21) to 64.4 million in FY 2022- 23 (Economic Survey 2023-24).
“With the announcement of PLI Schemes, significant improvement in production, skills, employment, economic growth and exports is expected over the next five years and more. As of now 755 applications have been approved across the country in 14 sectors,” the minister added.
The Government, under ‘Make in India’ initiative has launched PLI Schemes in 14 critical sectors including electronics, pharmaceuticals, white goods, telecom and Networking products where there is considerable relying on imports, Minister informed the parliament. Also, for the development of semiconductors and display manufacturing ecosystem, the Government has approved Semicon India Programme with financial outlay of Rs. 76,000 cr.
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Continuing further, the Minister said that the government has also introduced stricter quality standards and measures for quality controls, protocols for testing, and compulsory certification to examine substandard and poor-quality products in the market and protect consumer’s interest. The Government also motivates Indian business establishments to explore alternative suppliers and to alter their supply chains to reduce dependency on single source of supply. Besides, the Government observes increase in imports on a regular basis and takes appropriate action.
“The initiatives taken by the Government have led to decline in dependency on imports in several sectors. For example, the import of mobile phones has decreased from Rs 48,609 cr. in 2014-15 to Rs. 7,665 cr. in 2023-24. On the other hand, the export of mobile phones has increased from Rs. 1,566 cr. in 2014-15 to more than Rs.1,28,982 cr. in 2023-24,” Minister said.
Recently, Minister added that decline in imports has also been witnessed in sectors like electronics, organic chemicals and fertilizer crude where imports have declined by 45.1%, 31.3% and 42.2%, respectively.
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The ‘Make in India’ initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 25, 2014 with an aim to initiate investment, promote innovation, advance skill development, safeguard intellectual property and turn India as best in manufacturing infrastructure. As it completed 10 years, an innovative “Vocal for Local” initiative meant to transform India into a global hub for design and manufacturing. The ‘Make in India 2.0’ phase focuses on 27 sectors including both manufacturing and service.
