Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Mission) | General Awareness for SSC CGL PDF Download

Introduction

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, launched on May 12, 2020, by the Government of India, is a flagship initiative aimed at making India self-reliant and resilient in the face of global economic challenges, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. The mission focuses on promoting domestic production, reducing import dependency, and strengthening India’s economy through reforms, innovation, and inclusive growth. Envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Atmanirbhar Bharat is built on five pillars: Economy, Infrastructure, System, Demography, and Demand. It integrates with existing programs like Make in India, Startup India, and Digital India to foster self-reliance while maintaining global competitiveness.

Objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat

1. Promote Self-Reliance: Encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on imports across key sectors.
2. Economic Revival: Stimulate economic growth and job creation post-COVID-19 disruptions.
3. Strengthen Infrastructure: Develop world-class infrastructure to support industrial and economic activities.
4. Reform Systems: Modernize governance, policies, and technology to create an efficient and transparent system.
5. Leverage Demography: Harness India’s young population through skill development and employment opportunities.
6. Boost Demand: Promote local products and stimulate domestic consumption to drive economic growth.
7. Global Integration: Position India as a key player in global supply chains while maintaining self-sufficiency.

Five Pillars of Atmanirbhar Bharat

1. Economy: Quantum jumps in economic growth through innovation, investment, and self-reliance.
2. Infrastructure: Modern and sustainable infrastructure to support manufacturing, logistics, and connectivity.
3. System: Technology-driven, transparent, and efficient systems for governance and industry.
4. Demography: Leveraging India’s youthful population through education, skilling, and job creation.
5. Demand: Stimulating domestic demand for local products through supply chain reforms and consumer awareness.

Key Features of Atmanirbhar Bharat

Economic Relief Packages:

• A ₹20 lakh crore (approximately 10% of GDP) stimulus package announced in 2020 to support businesses, MSMEs, agriculture, and individuals.
• Tranches included financial aid, loan guarantees, and structural reforms.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:

• Launched to boost manufacturing in 14 key sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and renewable energy.
• Offers incentives (4-6% of incremental sales) for domestic production and exports.
• Attracted investments worth over ₹1.5 lakh crore and created millions of jobs.

Support for MSMEs:

• ₹3 lakh crore collateral-free loans for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• Revised MSME definition to include higher turnover and investment limits, enabling more businesses to benefit.
• Emergency credit lines and subordinated debt schemes to ensure liquidity.

Agricultural Reforms:

• Three farm laws (repealed in 2021) aimed at liberalizing agricultural markets, though met with protests.
• Investments in agricultural infrastructure (₹1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund).
• Promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and e-NAM for better market access.

FDI and Policy Reforms:

• Liberalized FDI norms in sectors like defence (74%), insurance (74%), and coal mining (100%).
• Simplified regulatory processes under Ease of Doing Business reforms.
• Labour law reforms, including consolidation into four Labour Codes.

Defence Manufacturing:

• Focus on indigenous defence production, with over ₹4 lakh crore in orders for domestic manufacturers.
• Ban on import of 400+ defence items in phased manner to promote local manufacturing.
• Defence exports grew to ₹21,000 crore by 2023.

Vocal for Local:

• Campaign to promote local products and brands, encouraging consumers to buy Indian-made goods.
• Support for traditional industries like handicrafts and khadi through marketing and funding.

Skill Development and Employment:

• Integration with Skill India and PMKVY to train youth for emerging sectors like AI, green energy, and electronics.
• Job creation through infrastructure projects, manufacturing, and startups.

Infrastructure Development:

• National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) with ₹111 lakh crore investment for 7,000+ projects (2019-2025).
• PM Gati Shakti for integrated infrastructure planning and logistics efficiency.
• Development of industrial corridors, smart cities, and logistics parks.

Financial Inclusion:

• Strengthened banking and credit access through PMJDY, MUDRA, and Stand-Up India.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for efficient delivery of subsidies and relief measures.

Implementation Structure

Central Level:

• The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and NITI Aayog oversee the strategic direction of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Ministries like Finance, Commerce, Agriculture, and Defence coordinate sector-specific initiatives.
• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) drives manufacturing and investment policies.

State Level:

• State Governments align policies with Atmanirbhar Bharat, offering incentives like land subsidies and tax breaks.
• State-level task forces monitor implementation and attract investments.

Industry and Private Sector:

• Collaboration with industry bodies like CII, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM to promote manufacturing and innovation.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure and technology projects.

Digital Platforms:

• Government e-Marketplace (GeM) for public procurement, prioritizing local suppliers.
• Invest India and Atmanirbhar Bharat portals for investor support and information.

Key Achievements of Atmanirbhar Bharat

Economic Recovery:

• Mitigated COVID-19 economic impact through stimulus packages, supporting MSMEs, farmers, and workers.
• GDP growth rebounded to 7.2% in 2022–23, with Q4 recording 8.2%.

Manufacturing Growth:

• PLI schemes attracted investments in electronics (e.g., Apple, Samsung), pharmaceuticals, and solar panels.
• India became the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer globally.

FDI Inflows:

• Over $80 billion in annual FDI inflows in recent years, making India one of the top global FDI destinations (UNCTAD).fv
• India ranked among the top 10 FDI destinations globally (UNCTAD).

Defence Self-Reliance:

• Over 300 defence items indigenized, reducing import dependency.
• Defence exports grew significantly, with orders for indigenous aircraft and artillery.

Job Creation:

• Millions of jobs created through MSME support, PLI schemes, and infrastructure projects.
• Over 15 lakh jobs generated by startups under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Agricultural Infrastructure:

• Over 10,000 FPOs formed, benefiting millions of farmers.
• ₹50,000 crore disbursed under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund.

Vocal for Local:

• Increased demand for Indian brands like Patanjali, Amul, and khadi products.
• Growth in exports of traditional products like handicrafts and textiles.

Challenges of Atmanirbhar Bharat

Import Dependency:

• Continued reliance on imports for critical goods like semiconductors, electronics components, and crude oil.

• Challenges in scaling domestic production for high-tech sectors.

Infrastructure Gaps:

• Logistics costs remain high (12-14% of GDP), impacting competitiveness.
• Slow implementation of some infrastructure projects under NIP.

MSME Challenges:

• Limited access to credit and technology for small businesses.
• High compliance costs and bureaucratic hurdles for MSMEs.

Skill Gaps:

• Shortage of skilled workforce in emerging sectors like AI, green energy, and semiconductors.
• Need for faster alignment of skill training with industry needs.

Global Competition:

• Competition from countries like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh for manufacturing investments.
• Need to improve cost-competitiveness and supply chain efficiency.

Policy Implementation:

• Delays in regulatory reforms and state-level coordination.
• Resistance to agricultural reforms and labour code implementation.

Recent Developments and Initiatives

PLI Scheme Expansion:

• Extended to new sectors like semiconductors, green hydrogen, and drones.
• Investments in semiconductor manufacturing (e.g., Vedanta-Foxconn plant in Gujarat).

PM Gati Shakti:

• Launched in 2021 to streamline infrastructure planning and reduce logistics costs.
• Integrates 16 ministries for coordinated development of roads, railways, and ports.

Vocal for Local Campaigns:

• “Local to Global” push to promote Indian products in international markets.
• Support for One District One Product (ODOP) to boost local industries.

Green and Sustainable Focus:

• Investments in green hydrogen, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy manufacturing.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission to position India as a global leader in green fuel.

Digital Push:

• Integration with Digital India for e-commerce platforms like ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce).
• Support for tech startups in AI, IoT, and fintech.

Global Supply Chain Integration:

• Leveraging “China+1” strategy to attract global manufacturers like Apple and Tesla.
• Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with UAE, Australia, and others to boost exports.

Impact of Atmanirbhar Bharat

Economic Impact:

• Strengthened domestic manufacturing, contributing to GDP growth.
• Reduced import dependency in sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Employment Impact:

• Created millions of jobs through MSMEs, startups, and infrastructure projects.
• Empowered youth and women through skill development and entrepreneurship.

Global Competitiveness:

• Positioned India as an alternative manufacturing hub in global supply chains.
• Increased exports in electronics, defence, and renewable energy.

Social Impact:

• Supported marginalized communities through MSME loans and agricultural reforms.
• Promoted financial inclusion through DBT and banking linkages.

Environmental Impact:

• Advanced green manufacturing and renewable energy, aligning with climate goals.
• Reduced reliance on fossil fuel imports through domestic energy initiatives.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Atmanirbhar Bharat Portal:

• Tracks investments, project implementation, and policy reforms.
• Provides real-time data on PLI schemes and FDI inflows.

NITI Aayog Oversight:

• Monitors progress of sectoral reforms and infrastructure projects.
• Evaluates state-level implementation and outcomes.

Third-Party Assessments:

• Independent evaluations of economic impact, job creation, and self-reliance goals.
• Reports by industry bodies like CII and FICCI on manufacturing growth.

Grievance Redressal:

• Invest India and DPIIT helplines for addressing investor and industry issues.
• Feedback mechanisms through stakeholder consultations.

Conclusion

Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan has been a transformative initiative in making India self-reliant and resilient. By promoting domestic manufacturing, supporting MSMEs, and fostering innovation, it has strengthened India’s economy and global competitiveness. The PLI schemes, infrastructure development, and policy reforms have attracted significant investments and created millions of jobs. Despite challenges like import dependency and skill gaps, the mission’s focus on green technology, digital integration, and global supply chain participation is driving India toward a self-reliant and inclusive future. With sustained reforms and stakeholder collaboration, Atmanirbhar Bharat is poised to position India as a global economic powerhouse.