New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi recently shared a video on his social media account where he spoke with mobile phone technicians. In the video, he emphasised that most mobile phones sold in the Indian market are merely assembled in India rather than being fully manufactured there. The components of these phones are imported from various countries, particularly China. Rahul criticised the BJP government’s “Make in India” initiative as misleading.
He highlighted the distinction between assembly and true manufacturing. The video aims to shed light on a significant economic challenge facing India. While the initiative was designed to enhance domestic production and create millions of jobs, the country is experiencing a paradox: manufacturing output remains stagnant, and youth unemployment is at near-record highs.
A key takeaway from a recent video is the distinction between “Made in India” and “Assembled in India.” Many products marketed as “Made in India” are largely assembled using imported components, principally from China. This model benefits from lower labour costs but significantly reduces the number of jobs created and the economic benefits reaped by India.
The video features technicians discussing the challenges in the electronics sector. They highlight that while assembling phones and other electronic devices is relatively straightforward, requiring only access to components and basic assembly equipment, true manufacturing requires substantial technical expertise, sophisticated machinery, and significant capital investment.
The current situation demonstrates that India’s economic dependence on assembling imported components sustains large foreign oligopolies but lacks the capacity for substantial job generation. Through the video, Rahul Gandhi pushes for a shift toward genuine “Made in India” manufacturing, encompassing the entire production process, from component creation to assembly, is crucial. This would require significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and skilled labour.
The technicians in the video emphasise the abundance of skilled and talented individuals within the country, suggesting that with appropriate support and investment in domestic manufacturing, India could significantly reduce unemployment and build a stronger, more independent economy. The lack of financial support from banks and a general lack of respect for skilled labour also contribute to this problem, according to the video.
