Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Pitches for ‘Swadeshi’ Model, Says Need to End Imports and Increase Exports

“I feel imports need to end and exports should be increased through the promotion of import-substitute goods,” he said. Gadkari said an alternative fuel economy worth Rs 5 lakh crore could be created through rural participation.

He went on to inform the gathering that turnover of village industries had increased from Rs 80,000 crore last year to Rs 1 lakh crore and the target was to take it further to Rs 5 lakh crore soon. The country was getting self-reliant in defence, automobiles and several other sectors and would become the world’s largest e-vehicle manufacturing hub in the next five years with products ranging from two-wheelers, three-wheelers and cars to construction equipment.

RSS functionary Manmohan Vaidya also spoke at the event and laid stress on “aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) and swadeshi.