INDIA: The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that only “Made in India” products will be sold in paramilitary canteens from June 1. This update comes a day after the addressal of the PM to the nation. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on the idea of “Atmanirbhar Bharat“- to be self-reliant while addressing the nation. He announced a massive economic package to revive Indian economy from the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Through his speech, PM also gave a slogan of “Vocal for Local” requesting Indians to support the local businesses and products.

Home Minister Amit Shah informed this through a tweet that says, “Yesterday PM Modi appealed for the country to be self-reliant and focus on local products (made in India), which will certainly take India on the path to global leadership in the coming days.”

Amit Shah further stated, “In this direction, the home ministry has decided that all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) canteens will only sell swadeshi products. This will apply from June 1. Around 10 lakh CAPF personnel and 50 lakh members of their family will use swadeshi products.” 

According to the records, the Paramilitary canteens register a sale of Rs 2,800 crore annually. The CAPF includes the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), National Security Guard (NSG) and Assam Rifles.

The Home Minister further said that people of the country should come forward and resolve to use the products made in India and support its own people & economy to revive 

The Union Ministry issued a statement that said, “This is not the time to lag behind but to turn a crisis into an opportunity. If every Indian resolves to use only made in India products then the country will become self-reliant.”

Yesterday, PM Modi highlighted the importance of local suppliers, local industries & local markets and said that the Coronavirus pandemic has proved the constant support that we get from them even during the times of crisis when all other facilities & products remain unavailable. 

He urged the people to assume it as their responsibility to buy local products as well as to take pride in promoting them. 

In his speech, the PM said, “In times of crisis, the local has fulfilled our demand, the local has saved us. Local is not just the need, it is our responsibility also. Every Indian has to become vocal for their local.”

This initiative could prove to be of great benefit for the people of India. The small business owners, the local manufacturers along with other business communities can alleviate the losses and rise again if they get proper support of the government as well as people at this time of crisis.