SSB Lecturette Notes: Make in India: Achievements, Challenges & Way Forward

Fresh SSB batches start around the 1st & 15th of every month.

“A nation that produces, prospers. A nation that only consumes, depends.”

Introduction

• Launched on 25th September 2014, Make in India is a flagship initiative of the Indian Government aimed at transforming India into a global manufacturing hub.
• Encourages both domestic and foreign investors to manufacture in India, boosting employment, innovation, and skill development.
• Plays a critical role in achieving economic self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) and reducing import dependency, especially in defense, electronics, and renewable energy.

Key Objectives

• Increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to 25% of GDP.
• Create 100 million new jobs.
• Improve ease of doing business.
• Promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
• Strengthen infrastructure, innovation, and export competitiveness.

Focus Sectors

• Automobiles.
• Defense Manufacturing.
• Electronics Systems.
• Renewable Energy.
• Railways.
• Textiles.
• Pharmaceuticals.
• Chemicals.
• Aviation.

Achievements (2014–2025)

• FDI Growth:
  • India received $89 billion in FDI in 2022–23, among the top 3 globally.
  • Defense sector saw a 400% rise in FDI over the past 5 years.
• Rise in Domestic Manufacturing:
  • India is now 2nd in mobile phone manufacturing globally.
  • Local production of iPhones and semiconductor push through India Semiconductor Mission.
• Defense Indigenization:
  • Indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant commissioned.
  • Made-in-India arms, drones, and missiles exported to friendly nations.
  • Defense exports crossed ₹21,000 crore in 2023–24.
• Green Manufacturing:
  • Boost in solar panel production, EVs, and hydrogen fuel technologies.
  • India emerging as a global hub for clean energy solutions.
• Infrastructure and Logistics:
  • PM Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy launched.
  • Industrial corridors, multimodal parks, and Bharatmala projects easing freight movement.

Challenges

• Complex land and labor laws in some states.
• Supply chain dependency on imports for raw materials.
• Need for upskilling workforce to match industrial needs.
• Global recessionary trends affecting investment flows.
• Delay in execution of mega projects due to bureaucratic hurdles.

Recent Developments (2024–25)

• PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes expanded to electronics, textiles, drones, and pharmaceuticals.
• India-UAE CEPA and other FTAs giving Indian manufacturers global market access.
• Global companies shifting from China to India under “China+1” strategy.
• Semiconductor plants being set up in Gujarat and Maharashtra with global partners.
• PM MITRA parks launched to boost integrated textile manufacturing.

Way Forward

• Streamline regulations across states to attract MSMEs and global players.
• Strengthen infrastructure and logistics ecosystems for faster manufacturing cycles.
• Focus on sustainability and green technology in manufacturing.
• Empower youth with vocational and technical skills through Skill India.
• Ensure policy stability and continue incentives under PLI schemes.

Conclusion

• Make in India is not just a campaign but a movement toward economic sovereignty.
• In an uncertain world, self-reliant manufacturing is India’s shield and sword.
• With strong policy, innovation, and partnerships, India is poised to become a global manufacturing powerhouse, ensuring growth that is resilient, inclusive, and future-ready.