‘Identifying 100 products to boost domestic mfg’

PTI New Delhi

The government is working with the industry to identify approximately 100 products that are either not produced or manufactured inadequately in India as part of efforts to boost domestic production, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia said on Monday.  

Addressing a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) conference, Bhatia said a set of "unique and interesting" products has already been identified, including automotive components such as axles and motorcycle parts. He noted that the objective is to expand manufacturing for both domestic and global markets. 

"Another area where we have been working is to bring in another 100 products which are either not getting manufactured in India as of now or which are not sufficiently being manufactured at the moment," Bhatia said, adding that technology gaps can be bridged to leverage existing capabilities. 

The secretary also announced the upcoming launch of the Made in India Brand Scheme. "We have had a pilot run with the steel sector, and it has been quite encouraging," he said, noting the scheme will provide a brand with a logo. Domestic companies using the brand will indicate value addition and assure quality. 

Discussing artificial intelligence (AI), Bhatia stated it is affecting manufacturing through greater productivity and innovation. He cautioned that geopolitical uncertainties have affected supply chains and urged the industry to invest in India on a long-term basis. He also noted that free trade agreements (FTAs) finalised by India provide significant opportunities for businesses.