New Delhi: G Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Home Affairs, said on Wednesday that the government will focus on promoting domestic manufacturing of arms, ammunition and other security products under Make in India to promote Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Addressing the FICCI webinar on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat: Opportunities for Homeland Security Industry,' Reddy said, "Atmanirbharta is not just a dream, but a well-thought-out roadmap for the future-ready India. We will have to strengthen our presence in making a strong public-private partnership culture."
Reddy said that for the last many years, India has been dependent on global OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) for procuring arms and ammunitions. "Now the government of India has decided to soon initiate procurement from local industries to reduce import dependence."
Urging private industries to come forward, Reddy said that the government is open to resolving the issues of the industry. "There is a need for the private sector to be price-competitive and focus on quality in production. It should not only cater to domestic needs, but also be able to export products, only then it will achieve the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan," he said.
Reddy highlighted that the government is also in the process of upgrading various testing centres and labs in the country. He added that the government will use GeM portal to promote domestic products.
Dr Sangita Reddy, President, FICCI said, that the government has launched Make in India concept to place India as a manufacturing hub, with a significant focus on Research and Development. "FICCI looks forward to working actively with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other government departments to contribute towards the vision of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to make India self-reliant," she said.
"We need to find multiple ways to help India recover from the severe economic crisis which is being faced because of the pandemic," added Dr Reddy.
Rahul Chaudhry, Chair, FICCI Homeland Security Committee, said that we can only find opportunities from COVID-19 if we are prepared to move forward and change our way of working. "We are encouraged to see that the government has initiated reforms and opened up the economy, along with the opening of the MHA procurement policy for the industry. MHA must play the role of Market Maker and the same should be reflected in terms of policy framework at the ministry level."