Introduction
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, launched by the Government of India on May 13, 2020, is a comprehensive mission aimed at making India self-reliant across various sectors. This ambitious initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, encompasses a broad spectrum of components, focusing on the economy, infrastructure, systems, vibrant demography, and demand.
The overarching goal is to reduce dependence on imports, strengthen indigenous industries, and foster self-sufficiency.
Economic Package and Components
The Hon'ble Prime Minister announced an economic package of INR 20 lakh crore to support the nation during the challenging times of the pandemic. The mission is strategically centered around five key components: Economy, Infrastructure, Systems, Vibrant Demography, and Demand. Notably, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has been actively involved in promoting self-sustenance among tribal communities through various initiatives.
Initiatives by MoTA
MoTA, in collaboration with Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SSIAST), has launched a Centre of Excellence for natural farming to make tribal farmers self-reliant. This project aims to train 10,000 tribal farmers in sustainable natural farming techniques and provide them with marketing opportunities.
Additionally, the 'Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Program' and studies on tribal welfare and entrepreneurship development in specific regions demonstrate the commitment to uplift tribal communities.
Need for a Self-Reliant India
The imperative for Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stems from the need to address challenges in the manufacturing sector. The share of the Indian manufacturing sector in gross value added (GVA) has declined, leading to increased reliance on imports. Acuite Ratings & Research identified 40 sub-sectors with the potential to replace imports from China, contributing significantly to the country's GDP.
This mission seeks to enhance self-sufficiency in key sectors, reducing trade deficits and promoting economic resilience.
Benefits Across Sectors
The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is expected to benefit diverse industries across primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary sectors. In the primary sector, agriculture, mining, and fishing will witness positive impacts. The secondary sector, comprising construction, manufacturing, utilities, MSMEs, and cottage industries, will experience growth.
The tertiary sector, which encompasses services like retail, tourism, banking, IT, and more, is also set for development. Additionally, the quaternary sector, focusing on education, research, and public sectors, is a crucial component of the mission.
Key Factors and Government Initiatives
The mission revolves around four key factors: Land, Labour, Liquidity, and Laws. Various government initiatives between 2014 and 2020 have been introduced to empower vulnerable sections of society, farmers, and businesses. Schemes such as Jan Dhan Accounts, PM Kisan Yojana, and reforms in land cultivation aim to strengthen the foundation for self-reliance.
Initiatives and Progress
Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the government introduced several initiatives, including the Production-linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, aimed at establishing India's manufacturing global leadership. The PLI scheme across 13 sectors, with a budget of Rs. 1.97 lakh crore, has attracted foreign investments and bolstered domestic manufacturing. The healthcare sector received attention through the Pradhan Mantri Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Yojana, allocating funds to enhance healthcare infrastructure.
Infrastructure development has been a focus, with higher capital expenditure aimed at improving roads, rail, and power delivery. The mission also emphasizes women entrepreneurship, with programs launched to empower women through technology parks and skill development initiatives.
Defense Sector and Achievements
The Defense Production and Export Promotion Policy 2020 (DPEPP 2020) aims to achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Policies such as increased FDI limits and import embargoes on military items contribute to this goal.
Key Achievements
The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan has yielded notable achievements, including a significant reduction in imports of air conditioners and the establishment of an indigenous supply chain for PPE kits within a short span.
The mission played a pivotal role in launching the world's largest vaccination drive, showcasing India's determination to be self-reliant in healthcare.
Initiatives for MSMEs
The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan includes initiatives to support small businesses, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Schemes such as the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS), Subordinate Debt for stressed MSMEs, and equity infusion through the Self Reliant India Fund aim to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses.
Conclusion
The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is a holistic mission addressing multifaceted challenges faced by the Indian economy. Alongside the Digital India scheme, the DPEPP scheme, it is poised to revolutionize the Indian manufacturing and services landscape for decades to come.
From empowering tribal communities to boosting manufacturing, infrastructure, and healthcare, the mission encompasses a wide spectrum of initiatives. The achievements so far underscore the commitment of the government to foster self-reliance and propel India towards becoming a resilient and self-sufficient nation.
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