Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), an autonomous body under Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, released a white paper on ‘Focused Interventions for Make in India Post COVID 19’ on July 11, 2020.
The white paper lists out policy measures to be adopted to promote self-reliance in five sectors, viz, Healthcare, Machinery, Information & Communication Technology, Agriculture, Machinery & Manufacturing and Electronics.
The white paper lays special emphasis on supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by addressing their liquidity needs, easing their statutory compliance burden and supporting them with modern technologies. The paper emphasizes that MSMEs need special stimulus as they are heavily impacted but have the right potential and flexibility to transform leveraging new technologies. The paper also calls for promoting international partnerships with German companies to support Indian MSMEs.
The white paper lists out some of the interventions needed to support MSMEs across various sectors. For instance, in the pharmaceutical sector, the authors suggest supporting MSMEs on quality monitoring system (QMS) and complying with global Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). India needs to prioritize production of 53 raw materials and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients as part of its ‘China-plus one’ policy to fill in supply gaps, the paper notes.
There are approximately 24,000 MSME units in India’s pharmaceutical industry and they contribute 70% of production by volume and 50% by value on ex-factory basis. MSMEs contribute almost 50% to exports of pharmaceutical products, the paper points out. Listing out the key challenges faced by MSMEs in this sector, the paper mentions lack of awareness about regulatory compliance of stringent quality norms, ever changing technology in the drug making procedures, meeting international standards requirements.
The paper suggests supporting MSMEs in manufacturing high end masks using latest technologies. Specifically, the White Paper calls for establishing manufacturing infrastructure for: nano fibers, coatings of silver nitrate and titanium dioxide, biopolymer coated, etc. There is also a need for fast evaluation and validation of the product to reduce time taken to market.
In the metal sector, the White Paper makes a case for using the base of MSMEs in Pune and Chennai for plasma and laser based metal cutting technologies. According to the White Paper, Indian MSMEs can deliver metal cutting for railway bogies, bio toilets, metro coaches, pre -engineering buildings & sheds, panels and formworks for station buildings, control rooms etc.
Indian MSMEs can also contribute to formwork for tunnels and sub structures, bus and truck bodies and frames, aerospace and defence artillery, the paper notes.
In the automobile sector, the White Paper suggests collaboration between MSMEs and large enterprises in the areas of Internet of Things (IoT). MSMEs and large companies should collaborate to leverage IoT capabilities in gear, steering and braking system for automation and digitalization in vehicle and component design.
The detailed report can be accessed from:
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