Prioritise Local Production Over Avoidable Imports: VP Urges Sectors

Emphasising the concept of economic nationalism as a facet of swadeshi and a reflection of being vocal for local, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar urged the industry, trade, and commerce sectors to prioritise local production over avoidable imports. The VP highlighted the negative impact of unnecessary imports on the economy, including the drain of foreign exchange and the loss of job opportunities for Indian workers.

Addressing the gathering at the Swarna Bharat Trust in Nellore, the VP said, “We are importing avoidable items, we are importing items like carpets, garments, candles, kites, and toys. In the process, our foreign exchange is going out. We are snatching jobs from our workers when we use an imported item that can be made in this country.”

“We are impeding our entrepreneurship because that item can be made by our entrepreneurs, by our workers,” the VP added.

The Vice President expressed concern over the export of raw materials, such as iron ore, without value addition. He stated that this diminishes employment potential as well as weakens the economic framework of the country.

“Our country abounds in natural resources but it is very painful when we export raw material. Look at the ports, our iron ore is going, we don't add value to it. In the process, we damage employment potential. Some people, only to make easy money, quick money, don't add value to it as a nation, we cannot afford it,” he stated.

The VP highlighted the need for optimal consumption of natural resources, urging citizens to use the resources based on necessity rather than financial power. He emphasised that the overuse of natural resources driven by economic strength poses a significant threat to future generations.

“If we spend unnecessarily based on the power of money, we are putting the future generation in danger,” he added.