PM Modi urges Centre, states to identify 100 target products to reduce import dependence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged the Centre and States to jointly identify 100 products for domestic manufacturing to reduce import dependence and strengthen economic resilience in line with India's vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

In his address at the 5th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in Delhi, he also highlighted India's potential to become the world's food basket. To achieve the same, we need to shift to high value agriculture, dairy, fisheries, with a focus on exports, he said. He pointed out that the PM Dhan Dhanya Scheme has identified 100 districts with lower productivity. Similarly, all the States must identify the lowest 100 districts and must work on addressing the issues around the low indicators.

He observed that the conference marked another decisive step in strengthening the spirit of cooperative federalism and deepening Centre-State partnership to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat (developed India).

Govt to launch National Manufacturing Mission

PM Modi revealed that the government will soon launch the National Manufacturing Mission (NMM), which would include Ease of Doing Business, especially with respect to land, utilities and social infrastructure.

He called upon states to encourage manufacturing, boost ‘Ease of Doing Business’ and strengthen the services sector.

Every State must give this top priority and create infrastructure to attract global companies, Modi said. In the services sector, he said, there should be greater emphasis on other areas like Healthcare, education, transport, tourism, professional services, AI, etc. to make India a Global Services Giant.

He urged the states to create 10-year actionable plans based on the discussions of this Conference with 1, 2, 5 and 10-year target timelines wherein technology can be utilised for regular monitoring.

NMM was announced by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman under the Union Budget 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs 100 crore, aimed at boosting innovation, competitiveness, and capacity across key sectors. The scheme is expected to facilitate employment for 22 lakh persons, generate turnover of Rs. 4 lakh crore and exports of over Rs. 1.1 lakh crore.

India has boarded 'Reform Express'

Reiterating his remarks on India boarding the 'Reform Express', he said that the country's growth is primarily driven by the strength of its young population, and empowering this demographic remains the government’s key priority.

He also noted that the Conference is being held at a time when the country is witnessing next-generation reforms and moving steadily towards becoming a major global economic power.

PM Modi emphasized that India must pursue self-reliance with zero defect in products and minimal environmental impact, making the label 'Made in India' synonymous with quality and strengthen our commitment to 'Zero Effect, Zero Defect.’

To boost tourism and livelihoods for youth, he urged the States to prepare a roadmap for creating at least one global level tourist destination and nourishing an entire tourist ecosystem.

Human Capital key to country's growth

Modi emphasized that human capital, comprising knowledge, skills, health and capabilities is the fundamental driver of economic growth and social progress and must be developed through a coordinated Whole-of-Government approach.

Highlighting India's demographic advantage, he stated that nearly 70 percent of the population is in the working-age group, creating a unique historical opportunity which, when combined with economic progress, can significantly accelerate India's journey towards its 2047 goal.

PM Modi emphasised the need to map skill demand at the State and global levels to better design skill development strategies. In higher education segment, he highlighted the need for academia and industry to work together to create high-quality talent.

(With inputs from PIB)