Government forms six sector-specific groups to boost manufacturing, cut imports

The government has constituted six sector-specific working groups to identify around 100 products for promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependence, an official said.

The initiative aims to promote indigenisation of key products, the official added.

The groups will finalise a list of items after discussions, which will be submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat within three weeks.

The six sectoral groups cover pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and medical devices; chemicals and petrochemicals, textiles and footwear; capital goods, automotive and electric vehicles, and advanced capital goods; energy; construction equipment and infrastructure; and defence and aerospace (limited to items with civilian applications) and electronics.

Members include representatives from multiple ministries and departments such as commerce, DPIIT, NITI Aayog, pharmaceuticals, economic affairs, science and technology, chemicals, textiles, heavy industry, ports and shipping, electronics and IT, road transport, new and renewable energy, and petroleum and natural gas.

The groups will be chaired by the Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

They will identify products that are either not manufactured in India or are produced in insufficient quantities to meet domestic demand, with the broader objective of expanding manufacturing for both domestic consumption and global markets.