The 'Make in India' Program

In September 2014, the government launched the Make in India¹⁰ campaign, focusing on initiatives to facilitate investments in India and promoting it as a global manufacturing hub. The program aims to improve the ease of doing business in India by reducing red tape, improving infrastructure, opening up more sectors to FDI, and most importantly, changing the image of the Government from a 'permit-issuing authority' to a true business partner.

The program has been a stellar success in India, reducing dependency on imports and turning many sectors into domestic manufacturing hubs that cater to global demand. The Make in India program has dismantled outdated frameworks and has brought in transparent mechanisms that disband investor complaints and help drive investment in the Indian market. For instance, the ‘Make in India Mittelstand (MIIM)¹¹ initiative, a partnership between India and Germany, focuses on innovation and economic collaboration, encouraging small and medium-sized German companies to invest and manufacture in India. Most of these investments have been in the automotive, renewables, construction, consumer goods, electronics and electricals, chemical, and waste/water management sectors.

Aligned with Make in India, the government introduced the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan¹² campaign, urging citizens to prioritize self-reliance and support local products. The Atmanirbhar Bharat program is built on five pillars: economy, infrastructure, system, vibrant demography, and demand.

Key achievements of the Make in India program over the past decade include¹³:

• Bharatmala Pariyojana: An initiative by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to optimize the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across India by developing critical infrastructure such as corridors, highways, and waterways.
• Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Streamlines the procurement and acquisition of advanced technology, products, and services for the Tri-Services and other allied defense services.
• Farming Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act 2020: Creates an ecosystem that allows farmers and traders the freedom to sell and purchase agricultural produce outside of traditional marketplaces.
• Redefining MSME Champions: To bolster Make in India and support MSMEs, the government launched several measures, including redefining MSMEs, financial packages, and the CHAMPIONS online portal.
• Defence Manufacturing Hubs: India has emerged as one of the top 5 military spenders and an up-and-coming defense manufacturing hub. To support this growth, two Defence Industrial Corridors are being established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
• National Broadband Mission: Aims to ensure universal connectivity, bridge socio-economic gaps, connect all villages, and promote 5G deployment, thereby boosting domestic manufacturing.

• 10.Make in India, https://www.makeinindia.com/about
• 11. Economic Survey 2023-24, https://www.indiabudget.gov.in/economicsurvey/doc/echapter.pdf
• 12. Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, https://www.investindia.gov.in/atmanirbhar-bharat-abhiyaan
• 13. Make in India spotlight, https://www.investindia.gov.in/atmanirbhar-bharat-abhiyaan