FICCI : Industry's Voice for Policy Change

Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister of Textiles and Women & Child Development Government of India today said that the recent Budget has brought cheer to the textile industry with the announcement of seven mega textile parks. Additionally, INR 10,000 crores have been dedicated by the Govt of India for PLI schemes, specially dedicated to MMF and technical textiles.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Karnataka VastraTek – Apparel & Textile Conclave organised by the Department of Handloom and Textiles, Govt of Karnataka in association with FICCI Karnataka State Council, Ms Irani elaborated on the growth of the silk sector in the state, Ms Irani said that Karnataka reigns in the realm of silk. “Under the Silk Samagra Program, the Govt of India dedicated specifically over INR 2,000 crores for the development of silk. I am hopeful that the industry gives the state of Karnataka ideas, proposals or initiatives that can make our country Atmanirbhar in silk. We in the Ministry of Textiles are looking at the next two years to ensure that India is self-reliant in the space of silk,” she said.

“Just reducing the produce line to saris and garments would be doing a great injustice to the potential of the silk sector. We are aware that silk, especially the waste of a cocoon can be used by pharma and cosmetic companies. We are hopeful that industry captains can suggest usage of silk waste to help elaborate our production line or elaborate our diversification prospects, Ms Irani added.

On the future of textiles in the state of Karnataka, the Minister said that the MSP operations for cotton procurement by the Cotton Cooperation of India has touched over INR 359 crores in the state. “From 2014-15 to this year, the Ministry of Textiles has extended support of over INR 1,622 crores only for cotton procurement and MSP operations benefiting over 1.67 lakh farmers,” she said.

Highlighting the importance of the handicrafts sector, the Minister said that Pehchaan Cards were distributed to over 26,000 artisans. The latest handloom census has brought to light that there are over 50,000 weavers in Karnataka who are looking at new opportunities digitally to expand their markets. She further suggested that on lines of the GeM portal that has brought on-board over 1,50,000 weavers from across the country, a similar digital opportunity is given to the marketing of artisans and weavers of Karnataka.

The textile and the apparel sector were tested as an industry during the COVID times and we rose to that challenge nationally and internationally by becoming the second largest manufacturers of PPE suits. “The fact that we could turn around our manufacturing processes in less than 60 days to meet the immediate need of our country speaks volume and is a testimony to the talent of the textile industry,” she added.

Mr Shrimanth Balasaheb Patil, Minister of Handloom and Textile & Minority Welfare Department, Government of Karnataka said that the state was first state to implement a dedicated textile policy and has been an inspiration to other states in the country for the same. The Doddabalapur Integrated Textile Park is the first integrated textile park of the country spread across 48 acres of land and has over 85 units focused on weaving, warping, among others and has generated employment for over 8000 people.

“The Govt of Karnataka is committed to providing world class facilities with easy access to railways, airports and ports for the smooth export of goods and materials. The new Textile and Apparel Policy 2019-2024 has been formulated keeping industrial requirements in mind and the incentives provided is the best in the country. With constant monitoring, the sector will be able to tide over the difficult situation induced by the pandemic,” he said.

Mr Ullas Kamath, Chairman, FICCI Karnataka State Council & Joint Managing Director, Jyothy Labs Ltd said that the special emphasis given by the union budget 2021 to the textile and apparel sector to set up large textile parks are extremely important.

“Very few countries can boast of robust textile value chains that India has. Karnataka has been one of the key states of apparel and garment supplies to both domestic and international markets and the textile industry occupies key position in terms of its contribution to the state’s economy. The policy intervention by the Govt of Karnataka have created thriving manufacturing clusters.” he said.

The FICCI Karnataka State Council has been taking sector specific initiatives to improve industry performance. For the textile and apparel sector we are forming a subcommittee with leading garment manufacturers and this will certainly help to bring more vibrancy, he added.

Dr A Sakthivel, Chairman, Apparel Export Promotion Council (APEC) said that with the support and help extended by the Centre during in the last year, India became the second largest manufacturers of medical textile.

“Karnataka plays a vital role in apparel exports and does about INR 17,000 cr worth of exports per year. The state govt should utilise the PLI scheme and promote MMF garments in a big way, he said. There is a need for plug and play facilities for apparel manufacturing and processing, he suggested.

Speaking on the industry’s role, Mr R D Udeshi, President, Reliance Industries Limited said, “The time has come for the industry to come forward and be aggressive for reinvestment and become one of the major manufacturing hubs in the global arena. We, as an industry, have proved ourselves during the pandemic. From importing PPE suits to manufacturing and exporting the same, this has proved that the industry has the willpower and manufacturing excellence.”

Mr Jacob John, President – Premium Brands, Adithya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited said that the retail sector is pleased to see business bouncing back after a prolonged crisis induced by the pandemic. “With the steps taken by the govt, we expect business to attain normalcy by Q2 of FY22,” he said.

Mr Siddhartha Agarwal, Co-Chair, FICCI Karnataka State Council and Managing Director, Bhoruka Park Private Limited delivered the vote of thanks and said that the conclave had been organised against the background of the new state textile policy unveiled by the Govt of Karnataka.

On the future of textiles in Karnataka, the minister said that the MSP operations for cotton procurement by the Cotton Cooperation of India has touched over Rs 359 crore in the state. ‘From 2014-15 to this year, the Ministry of Textiles has extended support of over Rs 1,622 crore only for cotton procurement and MSP operations benefiting over 1.67 lakh farmers,” she said.

Millennium Post | Feb 23, 2021

India looks to become self-reliant in silk sector in next 2 years: Irani

The government is looking to ensure that India become self-reliant in the silk sector in the next two years, Union Minister Smriti Irani said on Tuesday. The Minister of Textiles and Women & Child Development said that the recent Budget has brought cheer to the textile industry with the announcement of seven mega textile parks.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Karnataka Vastra Tek - Apparel & Textile Conclave organised by the Department of Handloom and Textiles, Government of Karnataka in association with FICCI Karnataka State Council, Irani elaborated on the growth of the silk sector in the state. She also said that Karnataka reigns in the realm of silk.

"Under the Silk Samagra Program, the Government of India dedicated specifically over Rs 2,000 crore for the development of silk. I am hopeful that the industry gives the state of Karnataka ideas, proposals or initiatives that can make our country Aatmanirbhar in silk. We in the Ministry of Textiles are looking at the next two years to ensure that India is self-reliant in the space of silk," she said.

On the future of textiles in the state of Karnataka, the minister said that the Minimum Support Price operations for cotton procurement by the Cotton Corporation of India has touched over Rs 359 crore in the state.

"From 2014-15 to this year, the Ministry of Textiles has extended support of over Ra 1,622 crore only for cotton procurement and MSP operations benefiting over 1.67 lakh farmers," she said. Highlighting the importance of the handicraft sector, the minister said that 'Pehchaan Cards' or identity cards were distributed to over 26,000 artisans. The latest handloom census has brought to light that there are over 50,000 weavers in Karnataka who are looking at new opportunities digitally to expand their markets.

Outlook | Feb 23, 2021

India looks to become self-reliant in silk sector in next two years: Irani

The government is looking to ensure that India become self-reliant in the silk sector in the next two years, Union Minister Smriti Irani said on Tuesday.

The Minister of Textiles and Women & Child Development said that the recent Budget has brought cheer to the textile industry with the announcement of seven mega textile parks.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Karnataka Vastra Tek - Apparel & Textile Conclave organised by the Department of Handloom and Textiles, Government of Karnataka in association with FICCI Karnataka State Council, Irani elaborated on the growth of the silk sector in the state. She also said that Karnataka reigns in the realm of silk.

"Under the Silk Samagra Program, the Government of India dedicated specifically over Rs 2,000 crore for the development of silk. I am hopeful that the industry gives the state of Karnataka ideas, proposals or initiatives that can make our country Aatmanirbhar in silk. We in the Ministry of Textiles are looking at the next two years to ensure that India is self-reliant in the space of silk," she said.

On the future of textiles in the state of Karnataka, the minister said that the Minimum Support Price operations for cotton procurement by the Cotton Corporation of India has touched over Rs 359 crore in the state.

"From 2014-15 to this year, the Ministry of Textiles has extended support of over Ra 1,622 crore only for cotton procurement and MSP operations benefiting over 1.67 lakh farmers," she said.

Highlighting the importance of the handicraft sector, the minister said that ''Pehchaan Cards'' or identity cards were distributed to over 26,000 artisans.

The latest handloom census has brought to light that there are over 50,000 weavers in Karnataka who are looking at new opportunities digitally to expand their markets.

She further suggested that on lines of the GeM portal that has brought on board over 1,50,000 weavers from across the country, a similar digital opportunity is given to the marketing of artisans and weavers of Karnataka.

The textiles and the apparel sectors were tested as an industry during the COVID times and "we rose to that challenge nationally and internationally by becoming the second largest manufacturers of PPE suits," Irani said.

"The fact that we could turn around our manufacturing processes in less than 60 days to meet the immediate need of our country speaks volume and is a testimony to the talent of the textile industry," she added.

Devdiscourse | Feb 23, 2021

India looks to become self-reliant in silk sector in next two years: Irani

The government is looking to ensure that India become self-reliant in the silk sector in the next two years, Union Minister Smriti Irani said on Tuesday. The Minister of Textiles and Women & Child Development said that the recent Budget has brought cheer to the textile industry with the announcement of seven mega textile parks.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Karnataka Vastra Tek - Apparel & Textile Conclave organised by the Department of Handloom and Textiles, Government of Karnataka in association with FICCI Karnataka State Council, Irani elaborated on the growth of the silk sector in the state. She also said that Karnataka reigns in the realm of silk. ''Under the Silk Samagra Program, the Government of India dedicated specifically over Rs 2,000 crore for the development of silk. I am hopeful that the industry gives the state of Karnataka ideas, proposals or initiatives that can make our country Aatmanirbhar in silk. We in the Ministry of Textiles are looking at the next two years to ensure that India is self-reliant in the space of silk,'' she said.

On the future of textiles in the state of Karnataka, the minister said that the Minimum Support Price operations for cotton procurement by the Cotton Corporation of India has touched over Rs 359 crore in the state. ''From 2014-15 to this year, the Ministry of Textiles has extended support of over Ra 1,622 crore only for cotton procurement and MSP operations benefiting over 1.67 lakh farmers,'' she said. Highlighting the importance of the handicraft sector, the minister said that 'Pehchaan Cards' or identity cards were distributed to over 26,000 artisans. The latest handloom census has brought to light that there are over 50,000 weavers in Karnataka who are looking at new opportunities digitally to expand their markets. She further suggested that on lines of the GeM portal that has brought on board over 1,50,000 weavers from across the country, a similar digital opportunity is given to the marketing of artisans and weavers of Karnataka.

The textiles and the apparel sectors were tested as an industry during the COVID times and ''we rose to that challenge nationally and internationally by becoming the second largest manufacturers of PPE suits,'' Irani said. ''The fact that we could turn around our manufacturing processes in less than 60 days to meet the immediate need of our country speaks volume and is a testimony to the talent of the textile industry,'' she added.

Smart News Business | Feb 23, 2021

India looks to become self-reliant in silk sector in next two years: Irani

The authorities is wanting to be certain that India become self-reliant in the silk sector in the next two years, Union Minister Smriti Irani stated on Tuesday. The Minister of Textiles and Women & Child Development stated that the latest Budget has introduced cheer to the textile business with the announcement of seven mega textile parks.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Karnataka Vastra Tek – Apparel & Textile Conclave organised by the Department of Handloom and Textiles, Government of Karnataka in affiliation with FICCI Karnataka State Council, Irani elaborated on the expansion of the silk sector in the state. She additionally stated that Karnataka reigns in the realm of silk.

“Under the Silk Samagra Program, the Government of India dedicated specifically over Rs 2,000 crore for the development of silk. I am hopeful that the industry gives the state of Karnataka ideas, proposals or initiatives that can make our country Aatmanirbhar in silk. We in the Ministry of Textiles are looking at the next two years to ensure that India is self-reliant in the space of silk,” she stated.

On the way forward for textiles in the state of Karnataka, the minister stated that the Minimum Support Price operations for cotton procurement by the Cotton Corporation of India has touched over Rs 359 crore in the state.

“From 2014-15 to this year, the Ministry of Textiles has extended support of over Ra 1,622 crore only for cotton procurement and MSP operations benefiting over 1.67 lakh farmers,” she stated.

Highlighting the significance of the handicraft sector, the minister stated that ‘Pehchaan Cards’ or id playing cards had been distributed to over 26,000 artisans.

The newest handloom census has introduced to gentle that there are over 50,000 weavers in Karnataka who’re new alternatives digitally to broaden their markets.

She additional instructed that on traces of the GeM portal that has introduced on board over 1,50,000 weavers from throughout the nation, the same digital alternative is given to the advertising and marketing of artisans and weavers of Karnataka.

The textiles and the attire sectors had been examined as an business throughout the COVID instances and “we rose to that challenge nationally and internationally by becoming the second largest manufacturers of PPE suits,” Irani stated.

“The fact that we could turn around our manufacturing processes in less than 60 days to meet the immediate need of our country speaks volume and is a testimony to the talent of the textile industry,” she added.

Udayavani | Feb 23, 2021

India looks to become self-reliant in silk sector in next two years: Irani

The Economic Times | Feb 23, 2021

India looks to become self-reliant in silk sector in next two years: Irani

The government is looking to ensure that India become self-reliant in the silk sector in the next two years, Union Minister Smriti Irani said on Tuesday. The Minister of Textiles and Women & Child Development said that the recent Budget has brought cheer to the textile industry with the announcement of seven mega textile parks.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Karnataka Vastra Tek - Apparel & Textile Conclave organised by the Department of Handloom and Textiles, Government of Karnataka in association with FICCI Karnataka State Council, Irani elaborated on the growth of the silk sector in the state. She also said that Karnataka reigns in the realm of silk.

"Under the Silk Samagra Program, the Government of India dedicated specifically over Rs 2,000 crore for the development of silk. I am hopeful that the industry gives the state of Karnataka ideas, proposals or initiatives that can make our country Aatmanirbhar in silk. We in the Ministry of Textiles are looking at the next two years to ensure that India is self-reliant in the space of silk," she said.

On the future of textiles in the state of Karnataka, the minister said that the Minimum Support Price operations for cotton procurement by the Cotton Corporation of India has touched over Rs 359 crore in the state.

"From 2014-15 to this year, the Ministry of Textiles has extended support of over Ra 1,622 crore only for cotton procurement and MSP operations benefiting over 1.67 lakh farmers," she said.

Highlighting the importance of the handicraft sector, the minister said that 'Pehchaan Cards' or identity cards were distributed to over 26,000 artisans.

The latest handloom census has brought to light that there are over 50,000 weavers in Karnataka who are looking at new opportunities digitally to expand their markets.

She further suggested that on lines of the GeM portal that has brought on board over 1,50,000 weavers from across the country, a similar digital opportunity is given to the marketing of artisans and weavers of Karnataka.

The textiles and the apparel sectors were tested as an industry during the COVID times and "we rose to that challenge nationally and internationally by becoming the second largest manufacturers of PPE suits," Irani said.

"The fact that we could turn around our manufacturing processes in less than 60 days to meet the immediate need of our country speaks volume and is a testimony to the talent of the textile industry," she added.

Financial Express | Feb 23, 2021

India looking to become self-reliant in silk sector in next two years: Union textile minister Smriti Irani

Addressing the inaugural session of the Karnataka Vastra Tek - Apparel & Textile Conclave organised by the Department of Handloom and Textiles, Government of Karnataka in association with FICCI Karnataka State Council, Irani elaborated on the growth of the silk sector in the state. She also said that Karnataka reigns in the realm of silk.

India looks to become self-reliant in silk sector in next two years: Union textile minister Smriti Irani

The government is looking to ensure that India become self-reliant in the silk sector in the next two years, Union Minister Smriti Irani said on Tuesday.

The Minister of Textiles and Women & Child Development said that the recent Budget has brought cheer to the textile industry with the announcement of seven mega textile parks.

Addressing the inaugural session of the Karnataka Vastra Tek – Apparel & Textile Conclave organised by the Department of Handloom and Textiles, Government of Karnataka in association with FICCI Karnataka State Council, Irani elaborated on the growth of the silk sector in the state. She also said that Karnataka reigns in the realm of silk.

“Under the Silk Samagra Program, the Government of India dedicated specifically over Rs 2,000 crore for the development of silk. I am hopeful that the industry gives the state of Karnataka ideas, proposals or initiatives that can make our country Aatmanirbhar in silk. We in the Ministry of Textiles are looking at the next two years to ensure that India is self-reliant in the space of silk,” she said.

On the future of textiles in the state of Karnataka, the minister said that the Minimum Support Price operations for cotton procurement by the Cotton Corporation of India has touched over Rs 359 crore in the state.

“From 2014-15 to this year, the Ministry of Textiles has extended support of over Ra 1,622 crore only for cotton procurement and MSP operations benefiting over 1.67 lakh farmers,” she said.

Highlighting the importance of the handicraft sector, the minister said that ‘Pehchaan Cards’ or identity cards were distributed to over 26,000 artisans.

The latest handloom census has brought to light that there are over 50,000 weavers in Karnataka who are looking at new opportunities digitally to expand their markets.

She further suggested that on lines of the GeM portal that has brought on board over 1,50,000 weavers from across the country, a similar digital opportunity is given to the marketing of artisans and weavers of Karnataka.

The textiles and the apparel sectors were tested as an industry during the COVID times and “we rose to that challenge nationally and internationally by becoming the second largest manufacturers of PPE suits,” Irani said.

“The fact that we could turn around our manufacturing processes in less than 60 days to meet the immediate need of our country speaks volume and is a testimony to the talent of the textile industry,” she added.

The Times of India | Feb 23, 2021

India looks to become self-reliant in silk sector in next two years: Smriti Irani

Deccan Herald | Feb 23, 2021

India looks to become 'Aatmanirbhar' in silk sector in next two years: Smriti Irani

The Times of India | Nov 09, 2020

Chennai-Bengaluru eway gets NHAI push in boost to logistics hubs

Giving a big push to the construction of expressways and to provide faster connectivity to upcoming logistics hubs, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited bids for one package of the 263km Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway. The work on this four-lane expressway project, which will provide high speed and seamless connectivity to two upcoming logistics parks in Bengaluru and Chennai, will start in February or March.

This first expressway project in south India will boost logistics movement, which has gained more importance in recent times. The project has been divided into 10 packages, three each in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and four in Tamil Nadu. After completion, a car can travel the distance between Chennai and Bengaluru in less than two-and-a half hours.

Road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari told representatives of industry chamber FICCI last week that he has requested PM Modi to lay the foundation stone for the project. The NHAI has set March 2024 deadline to make this stretch operational, barely months before the next general election. The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 17,000 crore. The NHAI has set strict timelines for award and progress of all the 23 expressways and greenfield highways which have been finalised.

ELE Times | Nov 09, 2020

Govt working to make India auto manufacturing hub in next 5 years: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways & MSME, on Friday, said that the government is working towards making India a global automobile manufacturing hub in the next five years. The government is already making policies to support the industry, he added.

Gadkari made the comments while addressing the virtual ‘Electric Mobility Conference 2020’, organized by FICCI Karnataka State Council, Gadkari said, “The future is very bright and India has the potential to become the largest Electric Vehicle (EV) market in the world as the government continues to push for EV adoption,” he added.

The Union Minister also called the auto industry to reduce costs of the EVs in order to boost sales He stressed that the quality of the vehicles should also be maintained. He said he hoped that higher output in the automobile industry would be able to cater to the rapidly growing market. He added that Indian manufacturers have the capability to make efficient EVs that can not only create more jobs but also provide opportunities for exports.

“e-Mobility is going to be the future mode of transport with greater efficiency and less impact on the environment. Import of crude oil and air pollution are two major concerns for the country. We need to have an integrated approach for EVs,” Gadkari added.

“We are going ahead with a pilot project; the Delhi-Mumbai corridor will become the lifeline of India and we plan to install new electric roads. Electricity as a fuel is available in the country, hence mass rapid transport on electricity is the most important solution for the country,” he added.

EV makers, he said, must decentralize their supply chains and companies need to focus on procuring raw materials and production of battery cells locally on a continued basis. Road transport in the country is undergoing a shift and he urged everyone to adopt eco-friendly mobility solutions.

News Track | Nov 08, 2020

India to grow as an automobile manufacturing hub in next 5 years, says Gadkari

Hindustan Times | Nov 07, 2020

Govt working to make India automobile manufacturing hub in next 5 years: Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways and MSME, on Friday, said that the government is working towards making India a global automobile manufacturing hub in the next five years.

The government is already making policies to support the industry, he added.

According to a press statement from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, addressing the virtual 'Electric Mobility Conference 2020', organized by FICCI Karnataka State Council, Gadkari said, "The future is very bright and India has the potential to become the largest Electric Vehicle (EV) market in the world as the government continues to push for EV adoption."

Gadkari further called upon the automobile industry to reduce the cost of the EVs so that the sale number goes up and as the sale goes up the industry would also gain. He stressed that the quality of the vehicles should also be maintained.

According to the press statement, The Union Minister felt that with higher output the automobile industry would be able to cater to a growing market. He also said that Indian manufacturers have the capability to make efficient EVs that can not only create more jobs but also provide opportunities for exports.

"e-Mobility is going to be the future mode of transport with greater efficiency and less impact on the environment. Import of crude oil and air pollution are two major concerns for the country. We need to have an integrated approach for EVs," he added.

Gadkari further urged FICCI and other stakeholders to come up with an integrated approach towards developing the EV sector in India. Referring to the NITI Aayog report, the Minister said that India needs a minimum of 10 GWs per hour of cells by 2022, which will be expanded to 50 GWs by 2025.

"We need to encourage the manufacturing of these cells in India. I urge the industry to think about manufacturing e-batteries in the country. We need to have a policy that promotes cost-effectiveness, and substitute import, pollution-free and indigenous," he emphasized.

Gadkari also said that the government is working towards making e-Highway on Delhi and Mumbai Expressway where e-buses and trucks would run.

"We are going ahead with a pilot project; the Delhi-Mumbai corridor will become the lifeline of India and we plan to install new electric roads. Electricity as a fuel is available in the country, hence mass rapid transport on electricity is the most important solution for the country," he added.

EV makers, he said, must decentralize their supply chains and companies need to focus on procuring raw materials and production of battery cells locally on a continued basis. Road transport in the country is undergoing a shift and he urged everyone to adopt eco-friendly mobility solutions.

"I hope to see cleaner and more sustainable innovation from the industry as we move towards a greener tomorrow," noted Gadkari.

He also emphasised promoting use of bio fuels like CNG, LNG and informed that he would soon launch tractors run on Bio-CNG.

Financial Express | Nov 06, 2020

Nitin Gadkari says India to become automobile manufacturing hub in 5 years; asks EV makers to cut price

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today said that the government is working towards making India a global automobile manufacturing hub in the next five years. Nitin Gadkari added that the government is already making policies to support the industry. Speaking at the virtual ‘Electric Mobility Conference 2020’ the minister further said that the future is very bright and India has the potential to become the largest Electric Vehicle (EV) market in the world as the government continues to push for EV adoption. He also urged the auto industry to cut prices of Electric Vehicles (EVs) for increasing sales.

Nitin Gadkari underlined that the automobile industry would be able to cater to a growing market with higher output as the Indian manufacturers have the capability to make efficient EVs that can not only create more jobs but also provide opportunities for exports. e-Mobility is going to be the future mode of transport with greater efficiency and less impact on the environment. Import of crude oil and air pollution are two major concerns for the country, he added. The Union Minister highlighted that EV makers must decentralize their supply chains and companies need to focus on procuring raw materials and production of battery cells locally on a continued basis.

The demand for vehicles was already low in the past two years. Adding to the woes, the coronavirus pandemic further made a strong dent in the sales number. In the first quarter of this fiscal, the share of rural India in automobile retail sales increased on-year, while that of urban regions dropped. The reason was the concentration of the virus in the urban areas in Q1. Nearly 82 per cent of the caseload was in urban regions, bringing a near standstill situation in the economy. At the same time, only around 18% of the cases were present in rural areas.

However, in the second quarter, the pandemic penetrated deeper into the hinterland, and the share of fresh rural cases had doubled to around 38 per cent by September. Thus, the share of rural regions in automobile sales dropped sequentially across segments in the quarter, according to the Crisil report.

Live Mint | Nov 06, 2020

Govt working to make India automobile manufacturing hub in next 5 Years: Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways & MSME, said the government is working towards making India a manufacturing hub for automobiles in the coming five years, globally.

Speaking at a virtual conference organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Karnataka State Council, the Union Minister also asked the automobile industry to reduce the prices of Electric Vehicles (EV) which will help the sales of EVs go up.

"The future is very bright and India has the potential to become the largest Electric Vehicle (EV) market in the world as the government continues to push for EV adoption," said Gadkari.

When speaking of reducing the cost of EVs, he also stressed on keeping the quality of the vehicles intact as good quality vehicles at reduced costs will help the industry gain form the sales.

While Indian manufacturers are capable to create more jobs by manufacturing efficient EVs, Gadkari also said they could create more opportunities for exports. "e-Mobility is going to be the future mode of transport with greater efficiency and less impact on the environment," he added.

According to a NITI Aayog report mentioned by him, India needs a minimum of 10 GWs per hour of cells by 2022, which will be expanded to 50 GWs by 2025 in terms of manufacturing the cells. He urged FICCI to come up with an integrated approach and manufacture e-batteries in the country.

"We need to have a policy that promotes cost-effectiveness, and substitute import, pollution-free and indigenous", he added.

He spoke about a pilot project, an e-highway on the Delhi and Mumbai Expressway where e-buses and trucks can run. "Electricity as a fuel is available in the country, hence mass rapid transport on electricity is the most important solution for the country", he added.

Speaking of eco-friendly solutions, he asked the EV makers to procure raw materials and manufacture battery cells locally and also promote use of bio fuels like CNG, LNG and informed that he would soon launch tractors run on Bio-CNG.

Mr Ullas Kamath, Chairman, FICCI Karnataka State Council and Mr Shekhar Viswanathan, Chairman, FICCI EV Committee were also present in the Electric Mobility Conference 2020 among others.

ANI News | Nov 06, 2020

Govt working to make India automobile manufacturing hub in next 5 years: Gadkari

News18 | Nov 06, 2020

India can become largest EV market in world, reduce cost to increase sales: Nitin Gadkari to OEMs

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways & MSME, Govt of India, today said that the government is working towards making India a global automobile manufacturing hub in the next five years. The government is already making policies to support the industry, he added. Addressing the virtual ‘Electric Mobility Conference 2020’, organized by FICCI Karnataka State Council, Gadkari said, “The future is very bright and India has the potential to become the largest Electric Vehicle (EV) market in the world as the government continues to push for EV adoption,” he added.

Mr. Gadkari further called upon the automobile industry to reduce cost of the EVs so that the sale number goes up and as the sale goes up the industry would also gain. He stressed that the quality ogf the vehicles should also be maintained. Shri Gadkari felt that with higher output the automobile industry would be able to cater to growing market. He also said that Indian manufacturers have the capability to make efficient EVs that can not only create more jobs but also provide opportunities for exports. “e-Mobility is going to be the future mode of transport with greater efficiency and less impact on the environment. Import of crude oil and air pollution are two major concerns for the country. We need to have an integrated approach for EVs,” he added.

He further urged FICCI and other stakeholders to come up with an integrated approach towards developing the EV sector in India. Referring to the NITI Aayog report, Shri Gadkari said that India needs a minimum of 10 GWs per hour of cells by 2022, which will be expanded to 50 GWs by 2025. “We need to encourage the manufacturing of these cells in India. I urge the industry to think about manufacturing e-batteries in the country. We need to have a policy that promotes cost-effectiveness, and substitute import, pollution-free and indigenous,” he emphasized.

Gadkari also said that the government is working towards making e-Highway on Delhi and Mumbai Expressway where e-buses and trucks would run. “We are going ahead with a pilot project; the Delhi-Mumbai corridor will become the lifeline of India and we plan to install new electric roads. Electricity as a fuel is available in the country, hence mass rapid transport on electricity is the most important solution for the country,” he added.

EV makers, he said, must decentralize their supply chains and companies need to focus on procuring raw materials and production of battery cells locally on a continued basis. Road transport in the country is undergoing a shift and he urged everyone to adopt eco-friendly mobility solutions. “I hope to see cleaner and more sustainable innovation from the industry as we move towards a greener tomorrow,” noted Mr Gadkari.

He also emphasised promoting use of bio fuels like CNG, LNG and informed that he would soon launch tractors run on Bio-CNG.

Business World | Nov 06, 2020