The Prime Minister’s “Make in India” call – V.P.NandaKumar

The world is aware of India’s great demographic strength and the government is keen to reap the benefits of being one of the youngest nations. More than 60 per cent of India’s population is below the age of 35 years. The youth is a blessing as well as a challenge to the government which now has to make sure employment generation is adequate. In addition to the Make in India campaign, the government has also initiated a Start up India Campaign to boost growth and employment. The government will also incubate and provide necessary assistance for the Start up India Campaign which aims at making youth become job creators rather than job seekers.

Going forward, a sound beginning has been made to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. However, eventual success will depend on implementation at the ground level, for which support is needed from all quarters. Especially critical, in this context, is support from the bureaucracy where a change in mindset is called for. A story I heard from a prominent businessman and owner of a chain of textile showrooms illustrates this particular challenge. He had just finished with the inauguration of a new showroom in a new location when a battery of inspectors from the government departments landed up to demand proof of compliance with the various statutes of shops and establishments act and labour law. If our bureaucrats, including those at the middle and lower levels, continue to see businessman as adversaries to be harassed for trifles, even the best of intentions will not bear fruit.  Therefore, I hope and pray that times will change soon.

V.P. Nandakumar  (MD & CEO of Manappuram Finance Ltd.)