New Delhi, May 28 (H.S.): BJP MP and National General Secretary of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), Praveen Khandelwal, has supported and welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to avoid foreign products. He stated that this reflects the Prime Minister's unwavering commitment to 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India) — an India where citizens manufacture, consume, and export products made by themselves.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal from Chandni Chowk mentioned that this appeal by the Prime Minister is not only related to the economy but also calls for self-respect, economic freedom, and the empowerment of our local producers and traders. To make this appeal effective, it is essential to provide traders and manufacturers with a single-window system under the Ease of Doing Business vision, so that their various departmental issues can be resolved in one place. Additionally, the burden of complying with tax and other laws and regulations should be minimized, and import duties on commonly used goods that come from abroad should be increased. This will reduce imports and increase the manufacturing and usage of Indian goods.
Khandelwal also stated that the core message of the Prime Minister's appeal is to initiate the chain of using Indian products, starting with our everyday needs by making use of indigenous products, which will mark a strong step in this direction. Currently, we have to rely on foreign exports for the manufacturing of some goods; necessary actions should be taken to promote domestic production of such items. Khandelwal further added that strict measures should be implemented against e-commerce companies selling foreign goods.
Khandelwal stated that this appeal perfectly resonates with the sentiment of small traders, small industries, and manufacturers, who are indeed the backbone of India's economy. Every foreign product that we replace with a domestic alternative strengthens our country's economy, creates jobs, and reduces our reliance on imports. He said that this is a decisive moment.
The BJP MP emphasized that in the current global context, where supply chains are changing and countries are looking for reliable partners, India should seize this opportunity to step towards becoming a global manufacturing and service hub. We must now turn 'swadeshi' into not just a sentiment, but a national economic strategy.
He called upon consumers to shop thoughtfully and prioritize Indian products in every sector, from daily necessities, electronics, apparel, toys, and furniture to digital services. He also urged e-commerce platforms, retailers, and corporates to give prominence to Indian products on their platforms and stores.
Khandelwal said that if domestic demand shifts from foreign products to Indian products, it will greatly benefit MSMEs and local manufacturers. It is now time for Indian consumers to become brand ambassadors for 'Vocal for Local.' For this, the government should also provide policy support, prioritize in government procurement, and offer incentives to promote production in the country. He noted that this is a decisive moment. If every Indian resolves to buy only Indian products, we can script a new economic revolution from the grassroots level.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
