Why in the news?

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi pitches Vocal for Local as a path to Viksit Bharat.

Vocal for Local Initiative

• What is it?: It is an initiative to promote local products, artisans, and MSMEs by encouraging citizens to buy and support indigenous goods and services.
• Launch: Launched by Prime Minister in 2020 during the call for Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
• Objectives:
  • Self-Reliance: Reduce dependence on imports, strengthen domestic industries.
  • Employment Generation: Boost local manufacturing, crafts, and entrepreneurship.
  • Cultural Promotion: Encourage use of traditional, GI-tagged, and indigenous products.
  • Export Potential: Build globally competitive local brands.
• Key Features:
  • Encouragement to buy Swadeshi products and adopt “Made in India” brands.
  • Integration with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Startup India initiatives.
  • Support for MSMEs, handicrafts, Khadi, and rural industries.
  • Campaigns through Digital India platforms, e-commerce, and branding.
• Significance
  • Strengthens domestic value chains and resilient supply chains.
  • Enhances inclusive growth by empowering small producers and artisans.
  • Reduces import dependency, supporting balance of trade.
  • Builds national pride and global recognition of Indian products.
• Challenges
  • Quality standardisation and global competitiveness.
  • Need for robust marketing and logistics support.
  • Risk of protectionism if not aligned with global trade norms.