For domestic power equipment manufacturers it is great news with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) making domestic sourcing of equipments mandatory for all central and state-funded projects. This is a major step to boost the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
According to Sunil Misra, director-general, Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association (IEEMA), “Domestic manufacturers have invested heavily in technology transfer from their principals or have developed technology indigenous for creating and expanding manufacturing capacities, manpower and skill development to meet the growing demand… This decision will address concerns over under-utilisation of capacity and large-scale penetration of foreign manufacturers.” This was reported in the Times of India.
Indian equipment manufacturers have been long advocating the fact that local sourcing should be made mandatory as it will help them in growing otherwise any body can source equipments by importing and that will only discourage manufacturing in the country. If India has to encourage the ‘Make in India’ it has to ensure that the local manufacturers are supported aptly so that others also get encouraged to start manufacturing in the country.
This is a massive step taken by the government and it will go a long way in encouraging power equipment manufacturers in the country.
By Atanu Kumar Das
