Sansad TV: Road to Self Reliance | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction:

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan with a special economic and comprehensive package worth 20 lakh crores rupees to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The objective of this package was to strengthen the Indian economy and enhance its competitiveness in the global market, with the aim of achieving self-reliance.
The Prime Minister outlined five pillars of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat, namely Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography, and Demand. The government also implemented significant reforms such as Supply Chain Reforms for Agriculture, Rational Tax Systems, Simplified Laws, Skilled Human Resources, and a Robust Financial System.

• A self-reliant India will be built upon five pillars: a dynamic Economy that brings substantial progress rather than incremental change; Infrastructure that becomes India's defining characteristic; a modern System driven by 21st-century technology; a Vibrant Demography that serves as the energy source for a self-reliant India; and a focus on Demand, utilizing the strength of our demand and supply chain to its fullest potential.
• The Self-Reliant India Mission aims to reduce dependence on imports by promoting substitution, while also improving safety compliance and the quality of goods to expand our share in the global market. The mission underscores the importance of promoting locally-made products.

Significance of self-reliance and self-sufficiency During Crises

• The COVID-19 pandemic has taught India a valuable lesson about the importance of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. Every state, district, and village within the country must strive to achieve these twin goals.
• The meaning of self-reliance has evolved in the globalized world, clarifying that it is distinct from being self-centered.
• Self-reliance will prepare India to compete effectively in the global supply chain, and winning this competition is crucial. It will not only enhance efficiency across various sectors but also ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Global supply chains have been disrupted, and all nations are now focused on addressing their own challenges.
• The pandemic highlighted the importance of local manufacturing, markets, and supply chains. During the crisis, our demands were fulfilled locally. Now is the time to actively support and promote local products to make them globally competitive.
• For example, the COVID-19 situation disrupted the supply chain and global manufacturing dominated by the Chinese economy. Hence, it is necessary to achieve self-reliance in essential goods and services like N95 masks and ventilators.
• Travel and mobility restrictions have led to tight controls on the movement of goods, services, and labor across international, state, and district borders.
• The international economic order is changing, and the potential for greater economic cooperation is diminishing. Therefore, it is essential to leverage India's inherent potential.
• India entered a phase of demographic dividend in 2018, resulting in an increased working-age population that needs employment opportunities within the country. This allows us to capitalize on India's demographic dividend.
• With India's population (1.37 billion) projected to surpass China's (1.43 billion) and become the world's largest by 2027, there is an opportunity to cater to the rising domestic demand with locally produced goods.
• The goal of self-reliance does not advocate exclusionary or isolationist strategies; instead, it aims to provide assistance to the entire world.
• This is not a rejection of globalization but a call for a new form of globalization that prioritizes people over profits and considers the needs of laborers, vulnerable populations, and the underprivileged.

Means to achieve self-reliance and self-sufficiency

• Implementing bold reforms is necessary to make India self-reliant and resilient against future crises such as COVID-19.
• These reforms include supply chain reforms for agriculture, a rational tax system, simplified and transparent laws, a skilled workforce, and a robust financial system.
• These reforms will promote business, attract investments, and further strengthen the Make in India initiative.
• Local governments should play a crucial role in supporting the government's efforts to reach rural areas and raise awareness.
• Door-to-door campaigns and support for local administration and security agencies can be undertaken by local governments.

Conclusion

Given the economic slowdown and the weakened forces of globalization, India must chart a new course towards a New India. The Atmanirbhar mission serves as a bridge to transform into this New India, which requires balancing the interests of capital and labor to achieve effectiveness and efficiency.