RSS affiliate hails PM Modi’s call for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 13

Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his call for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’, RSS affiliate Swadeshi Jagran Manch today called it a vindication of its 30 years of struggle to see India economically independent and self-reliant.

The ‘Chinese virus’ (Covid-19) had already accelerated the collapse of the existing model of globalisation, the ruling BJP’s sister organisation in the Sangh Parivar said. The Rs 20 lakh crore package announced by the PM will not only lead to end the “ills of badly designed and implemented 1991 liberalisation and subsequent integration into exploitative globalisation but will lead to employment oriented inclusive growth”, it added.

“This is not only fulfilling, but we also believe that PM Modi’s 30-minute televised address vindicates the SJM’s 30 years of struggle to see India economically independent and self-reliant,” said Ashwani Mahajan of the SJM.

The Sangh affiliate dealing with economic issues has offered views and positions on matters ranging from foreign direct investment to trade deals, mobilising public opinion to influence the government policy. A staunch supporter of ‘swadeshi’ (local) products which formed the crux of PM Modi’s speech yesterday, the SJM has been urging the government to ban or regulate Chinese firms like Huawei and TikTok, stricter regulation of the e-commerce sector and against genetically modified crops

It also has a tough stance on trade issues. Highly critical of FDI, recently it was also instrumental in influencing Modi government’s stance on global trade treaty RCEP. On the PM’s efforts to create the plug and play infrastructure for investors who wanted to shift base from China to India also, the SJM had some advice.

Mahajan said the SJM supported PM’s efforts to create the plug and play infrastructure for all those global investors who want to shift their base from China to India, provided they do backward integration for utilisation of domestic content, not allowed to repatriate the royalties and investments would be for the export oriented products. If they want to sell their products to the Indian markets, then custom and other import tariffs should apply.

Meanwhile, praising the Prime Minister for “identifying this as an appropriate time to take a quantum jump”, Mahajan said it has set the foundation for India to take not only quantum jump but also create more opportunities and respect for the indigenous entrepreneurs.

“The PM’s call to be vocal for local will have strong resonance. The appeal has a large reach, and it will strengthen indigenous and local brands among the consumers, to ultimately become global brands. The constant endorsement of the PM Modi, would help these entrepreneurs get more respect and acceptance globally,” he said.

Mahajan said the “Chinese virus (Covid-19) has already accelerated the collapse of the existing model of globalisation. The model, which is not only exploitative but also reduced the opportunities for job creation”.

“The era of economies of scale is passé, and the forthcoming era is of economies of scope. Chinese virus will be a natural non-tariff barrier for various products in many jurisdictions. SJM believes that the new era, would be to make products inside the geographical limits of the nation”.

As per Mahajan, PM Modi was right when he said that the Indian model of globalisation would be more inclusive and lead to opportunities not only in India, but also in the partner emerging economies. “India’s business ethos always believed in the partnership, not exerting ownership. SJM strongly backs PM Modi’s call for rebuilding the globalisation on the principles of ‘Vasudeva Kutumbkam’ or world as a family,” he said.