To Identify Import Substitute Products, Gadkari Calls for More Innovation

On December 8, the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari called for more innovation as well as research to identify products that can be aboriginally manufactured as cost-effective import substitutes.

He said "the government has decided to go in for a tendering process to give government technology centers comprising tool rooms to successful private players who have an excellent track record."

“We are now launching Flex engines where 100% ethanol or petrol can be used,” said the minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and Road Transport and Highways, emphasizing on its importance in lowering crude oil imports.

Giving Speech in a webinar organised by All India Management Association, the minister stated “this is the time for the industry, for the government to identify the things important for the future which we are presently importing, how we can manufacture here.”

He urged the IITs and engineering colleges to look for and prepare innovative solutions relevantly.

The minister noticed that to find out the Prime Minister’s dream of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat or a Self-reliant India, “we need to increase our exports and GDP growth, create more employment potential and jobs, and should accord the highest priority to the rural, agricultural and tribal sectors.”