Ahmedabad, 14 October 2025 — In a bold step towards strengthening India’s economic independence, Mr. Jayendra Tanna, President of the Gujarat Traders Federation, Ahmedabad Chamber of Commerce Welfare Federation, and Chairman of the Federation of All India Vyapar Mandal, has written to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji urging the Government of India to formulate a comprehensive National Swadeshi Policy.
This policy, he emphasized, would restrict the import of consumer goods already being manufactured in India at globally competitive quality and price — ensuring that Indian industries, traders, and MSMEs receive the protection and support they rightfully deserve under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
A National Swadeshi Policy – The Pillar of Self-Reliant India
According to Mr. Tanna, the Swadeshi Policy is not merely an economic reform — it is a strategic and moral imperative for the nation.
He stated that India’s economy can only achieve true self-reliance when domestic manufacturers are given a level playing field against cheap imports that undermine local industry.
“Swadeshi is the essence of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” said Mr. Tanna. “When our industries already make high-quality products, continuing to import the same items only weakens our economy, our traders, and our workers. It is time to protect what India proudly produces.”
He noted that a robust Swadeshi Policy would revive small-scale industries, generate employment, conserve foreign exchange, and promote national pride in Indian-made goods — transforming India from an import-dependent market to a manufacturing powerhouse.
Current Challenge: Unchecked Imports Hurting Local Producers
Mr. Tanna highlighted that India currently imports a wide range of consumer goods such as garments, cosmetics, footwear, stationery, pens, spectacles, and toys, despite abundant domestic capacity in these sectors.
Imported goods often enter the market at artificially low prices through under-invoicing or mass dumping, which disrupts fair competition and leads to the closure of local manufacturing units.
He emphasized that MSMEs, cottage industries, and family-run enterprises — which form the heart of India’s employment ecosystem — are the worst affected. These businesses operate within Indian labor, tax, and environmental laws, yet face losses due to unequal competition from underpriced imports.
Economic Evidence: The Power of Swadeshi Reforms
Mr. Tanna presented compelling evidence demonstrating how strategic policy intervention can lead to the resurgence of Indian industries:
● Toy Industry: A remarkable transformation was achieved when import duties were raised from 20% to 70% and BIS standards were made mandatory.
As a result, exports rose by 239% (from US$ 96.2 million in 2014-15 to US$ 325.7 million in 2022-23), and imports fell by 52% in the same period.
● Footwear Industry: Imports declined from US$ 920.34 million (2022) to US$ 299.76 million (2023), while domestic output and exports grew — proving that Swadeshi-friendly policies spur growth and employment.
● Garments & Stationery: Despite India’s US$ 35.58 billion garment export strength, imports grew nearly 47% in 2022, and stationery imports continue to rise, exposing the urgent need for import control to protect local capacities.
These examples, Mr. Tanna said, are clear proof that India’s industries flourish when Swadeshi principles guide economic policy.
Proposed Framework for a National Swadeshi Policy
To institutionalize the spirit of Swadeshi and empower domestic manufacturers, Mr. Tanna proposed a detailed framework for policy action:
1. Import Restriction Policy:
○ Identify products for which India already has sufficient domestic capacity.
○ Gradually restrict or suspend import licenses in these categories.
○ Ensure compliance with quality standards to maintain fair competition.
2. Quality and Standards Empowerment:
○ Establish National Quality Institutes to assist MSMEs in improving product design, packaging, and BIS certification.
○ Introduce a “Swadeshi Mark” to recognize authentic Indian-made goods and encourage consumer trust.
3. Support to Domestic Producers:
○ Provide financial incentives, marketing assistance, and trade fair participation opportunities for Indian manufacturers.
○ Encourage sales of Indian goods through ONDC and GeM platforms.
4. Public Awareness and National Movement:
○ Launch a nationwide campaign titled “Buy Indian – Build India” to promote Swadeshi consciousness among citizens.
○ Celebrate Swadeshi Week annually to honor Indian craftsmanship and industry.
Expected Outcomes: A Stronger, Fairer, Self-Reliant India
Mr. Tanna emphasized that a National Swadeshi Policy would have transformative effects across India’s economic and social spectrum:
● Revival of small industries and MSME clusters
● Expansion of domestic manufacturing capacity
● Generation of local employment in urban and rural sectors
● Conservation of foreign exchange reserves
● Enhancement of product quality and global competitiveness
● Strengthening of consumer confidence in “Made in India” products
“Every rupee spent on a Swadeshi product strengthens India’s economy, while every imported alternative weakens it,” Mr. Tanna said. “The choice before us is clear — to be a nation of producers, not just consumers.”
Conclusion: Swadeshi as the Soul of Atmanirbhar Bharat
Mr. Jayendra Tanna’s appeal is a visionary call to action — urging the Government of India to create a structured, long-term Swadeshi Policy that safeguards domestic industries and secures India’s economic independence.
He believes that the Swadeshi model, once institutionalized, will unite consumers, producers, and policymakers under a single national mission of self-reliance.
“Swadeshi is not a slogan — it is the foundation of India’s economic sovereignty,” he concluded.
“By empowering Indian producers, we will not only build industries but also rebuild national pride — ensuring a stronger, more self-reliant Bharat for generations to come.”
FOR MORE DETAILS:
https://x.com/GujTradersFed?t=VYn4n1Zuld1enu7JZa-F4g&s=09
Contact: 9824145318-Jayendra Tanna
