Merely buying Diwali diyas not Vocal for Local: PM Modi

New Delhi: Expressing dismay over foreign products making their way into Indian festivals, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasised that the ambit of Vocal for Local goes well beyond buying diyas on Diwali.

"We have many festivals which provide a huge market for so many products. It gives livelihood opportunities to so many people. Foreign products have made their way into this market. We should evolve and manufacturers need to maintain global standards. When I talk about Vocal for Local, people feel buying Diwali diyas is enough. No, there are so many products. Just buying diyas on Deepawali is not being Vocal for Local," he said.

He was addressing a post-budget webinar organized by The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

The Prime Minister expressed his disappointment that many of the supplies for India's various festivals are seeing foreign providers whereas they have been and can be easily provided by local manufacturers.

He said it is not acceptable that a country like India ends up merely as a market.

"If India becomes merely a market, it will not be able to make progress," he said adding "Our product must not have even a slight defect. Quality matters in a competitive world. "

"We can promote Make in India in electric vehicles and medical equipment," he added.

The PM pointed towards supply chain disruptions during the pandemic and other uncertainties to underline the critical importance of Make in India.

On the other hand, the Prime Minister continued, positive factors like demographic dividend of young and talented population, democratic set up, natural resources should also encourage us to move towards Make in India with determination.

The Prime Minister said the world is looking at India as a manufacturing powerhouse.

"Manufacturing is the 15 per cent of India's GDP, but there are infinite possibilities before Make in India and we should work with full strength to create a robust manufacturing base in India," he said.

Modi gave the examples of new demand and opportunities in sectors like semi-conductors and electric vehicles where manufacturers should move with a sense of removing dependencies on foreign sources.

Similarly, areas like steel and medical equipment need to be focussed for indigenous manufacturing, he said.

The PM highlighted the need to find new destinations for the local products. He exhorted the private sector to enhance spending on R&D and to diversify and upgrade their product portfolio.

This was eighth post budget webinar addressed by the Prime Minister, the theme of the webinar was 'Make in India for the World'. (UNI)