Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a 'Make in India' event. (Press Trust of India)
"We are an IT powerhouse, but Google was not made in India," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, highlighting the need for innovation at a 'Make in India' event in the capital on Monday.
Talking of bureaucratic hurdles and red tape that led to what was called a policy paralysis that depressed investor sentiment, the PM said the government must move away "from the culture of avoid, bypass, confuse and delay" and move to one of "responsibility, ownership, accountability and discipline." He called it the shift from ABCD to ROAD.
He promised to address all concerns of investors under his 'Make in India' plan, which aims at smoothening processes to give a big boost to manufacturing in the country.
"We are ready to change laws, hasten approvals," said PM Modi, suggesting a "public-private partnership also in decision making, not just in project investments."
He emphasised on "going beyond Make in India and developing India as a global brand by producing zero defect and zero environment effect products," saying brand India must reach every corner of the globe.
The PM also stressed on balanced growth.
Calling for balanced development in the country, PM Modi said there should be maximum movement of man, material, money, machine and mineral across the country.
"During the day-long effort, responsibilities have been fixed, roadmap has been prepared, required changes in policies have been decided... Now I don't think there is any requirement for paperwork. Now, things will be implemented automatically," PM Modi said.
Speaking at the same event earlier in the day, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley pledged to remove entry barriers to business and ensure a competitive tax regime to push manufacturing growth.
"The entry point into the manufacturing sector itself has to be eased. Our initial barriers have to be lowered and perhaps even removed. If we keep the doors closed, investments won't come in," he said.
The event was held at the Vigyan Bhawan in the capital.