Atmanirbhar Bharat: Path to Viksit Bharat

Atmanirbhar Bharat and Path to Viksit Bharat

Syllabus:

GS Paper – 3

Growth & DevelopmentGS

Paper – 2

Government Policies & Interventions

Why in the News ?

• On August 15, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort.
• He emphasized self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) as the foundation for building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
• The speech focused on defence preparedness, energy independence, technological leadership, and “Vocal for Local” as guiding mantras for the next 25 years.

Importance of Atmanirbharta (Self-Reliance)

• Self-reliance is not only about imports and exports but about national capability.
• The PM stressed that dependency reduces freedom, whereas self-reliance enhances national confidence.
• The success of Operation Sindoor showcased how India’s indigenous defence capacity ensured swift retaliation against cross-border terrorism.
• Sectors emphasized:
  • Defence manufacturing
    
  • Energy security (solar, hydro, nuclear, hydrogen)
    
  • MSMEs & local industries
    
  • Semiconductors & technology-driven growth

 National Security and Demography Concerns

• A High-Power Demography Mission announced to counter threats posed by illegal infiltration in border states.
• Concerns highlighted:
  • Loss of youth employment due to infiltrators.
  • Targeting of women and tribal communities by outsiders.
  • Land grabbing and demographic imbalance, leading to potential national security crises.
• Linking demography with security reflects the government’s holistic approach to national integrity.

 Energy Independence and Clean Energy Drive

• India spends lakhs of crores annually on fuel imports.
• Major strides in renewable and clean energy:
  • Solar energy: 30-fold growth in the last 11 years.
  • Hydropower: Expansion with new dams.
  • Mission Green Hydrogen: Large-scale investment to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
  • Nuclear power: 10 new reactors in progress, with capacity targeted to increase tenfold by 2047.
• Objective: Achieve energy self-reliance by the centenary of Independence.

 Manufacturing and Technology Push

• Emphasis on National Manufacturing Mission to strengthen MSMEs.
• Vision: Zero Defect, Zero Effect → globally competitive products with high quality standards.
• Semiconductor sector:
  • Idea existed 50–60 years ago but delayed.
  • Now, 4 semiconductor units approved, marking India’s entry into the global tech race.
• Recognizing the 21st century as technology-driven, PM urged Indian youth to lead innovation.

Role of Society and Institutions

• Tribute to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its 100 years of nation-building.
• Farmers recognized as pillars of food security, ensuring survival of independent India.
• Call for every trader, shopkeeper, and citizen to promote Swadeshi products → “Vocal for Local” should be a lifestyle mantra, not compulsion.
• Message: Collective responsibility in building a Viksit Bharat.

Challenges :

• Energy Dependency: Despite progress, India still imports large amounts of oil and gas.
• Defence Sector Gaps: Indigenous production is growing but reliance on imports for critical technology remains.
• Technology Backlog: Delay in adopting semiconductors and AI-based innovations hampers global competitiveness.
• MSME Constraints: Many small industries lack access to finance, global supply chains, and advanced tech.
• Demographic Issues: Illegal migration, uneven population growth, and pressure on border states threaten social harmony and national security.
• Climate Commitments: Balancing rapid industrialization with Paris Agreement goals poses a dilemma.
• Societal Mindset: People often prefer foreign brands over local products, slowing “Vocal for Local”.
• Policy Implementation: Previous policies show gaps between announcements and ground-level execution.

Way Forward :

• Energy Roadmap: Expand renewable mix (solar, wind, nuclear, hydrogen) to reduce fossil dependency.
• Defence Modernization: Incentivize private sector and startups in defence R&D for next-gen weapons.
• Semiconductor Push: Ensure fast execution of approved units; promote chip design & fabrication ecosystem.
• MSME Empowerment: Provide easy credit, skill training, and global market linkages.
• Border Security: Strengthen surveillance, fencing, and legal mechanisms against illegal migration.
• Technological Leap: Invest in AI, robotics, EVs, biotechnology for global competitiveness.
• Quality Standards: Establish strict testing and certification norms to push Indian goods into global supply chains.
• Public Participation: Campaigns to build consumer trust in Swadeshi products.
• Institutional Role: Strengthen institutions like NITI Aayog for long-term planning and mission-mode governance.

Conclusion :

India’s journey to Viksit Bharat by 2047 hinges on Atmanirbharta across defence, energy, technology, and manufacturing. The vision is not of isolation but of resilient self-reliance, ensuring sovereignty, security, and prosperity. Collective efforts of citizens, institutions, and government will decide whether India rises as a true global power.

Source :IE

Mains Practice Question :

“Atmanirbhar Bharat is not just an economic slogan but a strategic necessity for India’s security, energy independence, and global leadership. Discuss in the context of recent policy initiatives and challenges in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.”