ATMANIRBHAR

Theterm Atmanirbhar is formed by two different words i.e. Atma and Nirbhar. Theword ‘Atma’ refers to the ‘Eternal Self’ which further means asagainst mortal body and the term ‘Nirbhar’ simply means ‘depend’. Thus, theentire meaning becomes simple which is an individual who is self-dependent. On13th May, 2020, our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi whileaddressing the entire country, quoted the term and asked them to view the situationof this global pandemic as a chance to attain self-reliance and self-dependenceeconomically.

While addressing the nation, he repeatedly stressed the importance of promoting “local” goods in order to attain the goal. He named it Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (or Self-reliant India Mission) and mentioned that his government will be launching the details of an economic package towards this aim, which is estimated to be worth Rs 20 lakh crore — or 10 per cent of GDP in FY20 and shall be earlier reliefs, as announced by our Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman[1].

Due to Corona Virus pandemic, the government of India has imposed lockdown in the entire nation.Though, this step has lowered the number of cases of the affected patients but simultaneously impacted majorly on the economy of India. Many people have lost their jobs and many businesses shut down, leaving them with no source of income.All the working sectors, industries are shut down thereby generating no source of income.  This is one of the major reasons as to why the lockdown has been lifted in some parts of the country.

Therefore, through this package, Government has offered to help people financially and to help them resume their work again. Many schemes are aimed to be launched with this package. The primary focus of these scheme and programmes would be land, labour, tax payers, small scale industries, home industries, farmers and middle-class people[2].  Impact of this package would be seen in all the three sectors i.e. primary, secondary and tertiary.

In primary sector, the announcements were made with respect to the agricultural and similar sectors which were particularly metamorphic. Additionally, scheme of rupees ten thousand crores was introduced for the Formalisation of Micro Food Enterprises. Also, the Fishermen through Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana scheme were taken into consideration where marine and inland fisheries would be developed. Investment in Dairy Processing, value addition and cattle feed infrastructure is also included. An Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund of total worth Rs.15,000 crore would be set up. Herbal Cultivation of Rs. 4000 crore is also promoted. Many other reforms are taken in order to achieve a self-sustainable global economy[3].

In secondary sector, the importance is given to the Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) which are lacking financially. The investment aims to profit a lot of businesses, including the automobile and many other industries in the secondary sector. Also, MSME being the second largest employment generating sector in the country, these reforms will help to sustain the labour. Definition of MSMEs will be revised and the Investment limits will be revised upwards. Distinction between manufacturing and service sector to be eliminated, broadening the extent of small, medium and large-scale businesses[4].

In tertiary sector, a balanced approach is being adopted by the Government. The government is taking various steps to enhance the online education during lockdown. The government has decided to present and introduce PM e-Vidya programme for access to digital or online education. Under this programme, there will be several channels introduced,with one each devoted to classes 1 to 12 so that students of all grades can learn.The government has launched “Swayam Prabha DTH channels” to support and reach those who do not have access to the internet at their homes.It also allows students to clear their doubts by calling on a dedicated helpline number[5].The Government has tried to establish a virtual platform for the students,which allows different schools and universities to teach through the digital media. The amount will also be spent on health institutions and ramping up the health and wellness centres in rural and urban areas.

There might be challenges associated in the way of implementation of this scheme, such as-

1.   Less demand and less supply: Unless the demand of the product rises, the supply would not increase and hence the chance of the economy boosting up will decrease further. Currently, people do not have enough money to spend, and this makes the process more difficult.

2.   Distribution of the money: The transfer of the money from Reserve Bank of India to citizens would not be as smooth as it seems, and the whole process is complex. There would be various barriers to it.

Through these schemes and policies, it can be implied that the sole aim is to make our Nation as a single market and build a self-dependent economy. Besides, it is very important for us to understand that self-reliance doesn't mean isolating ourselves from the world or completely cutting off from it. It simply means that we promote the potential and capability of our nation and become globally competitive. The ultimate aim is to build such a strong sector, that we become independent in the supply of raw material as well as finished goods. Further, if this programme and scheme is implemented properly, the post COVID situation may offer us with lots of opportunities.

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[1] Amit Mishra, PMModi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan Economic Package, Indian Express (may 14,2020), https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/narendra-modi-coronavirus-economic-package-india-self-reliance-6406939/

[2] PM Modi’s AtmanirbharBharat Abhiyan Scheme 2020, CDLU (May 19, 2020) https://www.cdlu.in/atma-nirbhar-bharat-abhiyan/

[3] Atmanirbhar Bharat :Part 3 – Agriculture, Tax Guru (May 16, 2020) https://taxguru.in/finance/atma-nirbhar-bharat-part-3-agriculture.html

[4] Atmanirbhar Bharat :Part 1 – Business including MSME, Tax Guru (may 13, 2020), https://taxguru.in/finance/aatmanirbhar-bharat-abhiyaan-support-indian-economy.html

[5] E- Vidya Programme toOnline Courses, Indian Express (17th May, 2020), https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/india/e-vidya-programme-to-online-courses-top-announcements-on-education-by-fm-nirmala-sitharaman/ar-BB14coAZ

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