Make in India: A Decade of Transformation and the Road Ahead

India's manufacturing sector underwent and is undergoing a significant transformation, with growth evident across diverse industries like textiles and automobiles. This progress can be partly attributed to the Make in India initiative, a flagship program launched in September 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initiative spearheaded by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and dedicated IAS officers, aims to propel India towards self-reliance and global manufacturing leadership. Significant progress has been made, with FDI inflows witnessing a 100% increase over the past nine financial years (2014-23), reaching a total of USD 596 billion. However, realising the initiative's full potential will require continued efforts.

1. A Decade of Evolution

1.1 Initial Impact

The country’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business Index has seen a meteoric rise from 142nd place in 2014 to 63rd in 2019.

- World Bank Report

The Make in India initiative has demonstrably improved India's standing in the global business landscape. A key driver of this progress has been the focus on streamlining regulations and simplifying procedures. Dedicated IAS officers within the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), guided by the former secretaries, Guruprasad Mohapatra and Ramesh Abhishek played a crucial role in these efforts. Their work directly contributed to India's impressive jump in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Index. This significant improvement reflects the initiative's success in making it easier for businesses to operate in India.

1.2 Continuous Improvement

A decade after its launch, the Make in India initiative continues to evolve. Recognising the need for ongoing efforts, the government, led by dedicated IAS officers across various departments, is actively working to streamline regulations further. This includes addressing industry concerns and creating an even more conducive environment for domestic and foreign manufacturers to invest and grow in India.

2. Driving the Initiative Forward

2.1 Visionary Leadership

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has been the backbone of the Make in India initiative's success. Over the past decade, dedicated IAS officers within DPIIT, including prominent figures like Mr Ramesh Abhishek and Mr Amitabh Kant, two former secretaries known for their focus on administrative reforms, have played a crucial role in shaping the initiative. Their tireless efforts have streamlined processes, promoted investor confidence, and fostered a more conducive business environment.

2.2 Strategic Initiatives

The Make in India initiative extends beyond policy pronouncements. It's bolstered by strategic programs that have demonstrably impacted the manufacturing sector. A prime example is the simplification of registration processes, spearheaded by Mr Ramesh Abhishek, an ex-IAS officer, during his tenure at DPIIT, formally known as DIPP. This initiative significantly reduced bureaucratic hurdles for businesses, making it easier to establish and operate in India.

Additionally, the development of industrial corridors across India, championed by another visionary leader, and an ex-IAS officer Mr Amitabh Kant, with his extensive experience in infrastructure development, has created dedicated zones with a robust infrastructure. These corridors are designed to attract large-scale manufacturing units and further strengthen India's manufacturing ecosystem.

2.3 Collaborative Efforts

The Make in India initiative's success extends beyond the central government's efforts. It thrives on a collaborative spirit, bringing together various stakeholders to achieve a common goal. Industry bodies, as well as state governments, play a crucial role in voicing industry concerns and proposing solutions.

For instance, Andhra Pradesh's sub-initiative focuses on attracting investments in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and IT, while Gujarat targets textiles, pharmaceuticals and chemicals. These state-led efforts, spearheaded by dedicated IAS officers with experience in economic development, demonstrate a decentralised approach that empowers states to attract investments and promote economic growth.

This collaborative spirit extends beyond state borders. Dedicated IAS officers across various government departments work together to streamline processes, address industry concerns, and create a more conducive environment for businesses to operate. Their combined efforts ensure smooth collaboration between central and state governments, fostering a unified approach to achieving the initiative's ambitious goals.

3. Building a Stronger Future

3.1 Ongoing Work

The Make in India initiative is a continuous journey, and the government remains committed to strengthening its impact. Dedicated IAS officers within the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) play a vital role in driving ongoing improvements. These efforts include:

Streamlining regulations in specific sectors: DPIIT, led by the then secretaries like Ramesh Abhishek, and Guruprasad Mohapatra, have consistently focused on streamlining regulations in key sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics.

Developing industrial corridors: The development of industrial corridors across India remains a priority. Spearheaded by experienced IAS officers with expertise in infrastructure development, these corridors create dedicated zones with robust infrastructure to attract large-scale manufacturing units.

Targeted campaigns: The initiative utilises targeted campaigns to attract foreign companies in specific industries that align with India's strategic goals.

Skilling the workforce: Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, the government emphasises skill development programs to address the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector.

3.2 The Road Ahead

Beyond attracting established players, the Make in India initiative recognises the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. This vision is actively supported by IAS officers across various government departments, including DPIIT. Their efforts contribute to creating a regulatory environment that encourages startups and fosters a spirit of innovation.

This focus on fostering innovation is evident in the significant growth of startups in India. As of December 31st, 2023, DPIIT has recognized over 1,17,254 startups.

4. Conclusion

A decade since its inception, the Make in India initiative has demonstrably transformed India's manufacturing landscape. Dedicated efforts by IAS officers within the government, coupled with industry collaboration and strategic programs, have yielded positive results. While challenges remain, the initiative's focus on streamlining regulations, fostering innovation, and building robust infrastructure positions India for continued growth as a global manufacturing powerhouse. Looking ahead, with unwavering commitment and ongoing efforts, India's Make in India dream is well on its way to becoming a reality.