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Swadeshi still relevant in globalised era: PM

Our Bureau

COIMBATORE, Feb. 16

THE concept of swadeshi was relevant even in an era of globalisation and ``the India of our dreams can be built only by us'', the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, has said.

Globalisation had created an inter-dependent world in which the opportunities for mutual co-operation had considerably increased.

Speaking at a function after inaugurating the Swadeshi Industrial Fair, jointly organised by the Swadeshi Jagran Manch and CODISSIA here on Friday, he said India's freedom struggle was not merely for political independence but also for achieving social a nd economic liberation based on an local model of development.

Referring to the textile industry in Coimbatore, Mr Vajpayee said though the sector was facing difficulties, the new textile policy aimed at mitigating many of them.

The Government would take necessary steps to help revive the textile sector in which the country had a major competitive advantage in the global arena. He also noted that it had potential to create large-scale employment opportunities.

Stressing on the role of the SSI sector in job creation, Mr Vajpayee said the SSI sector, which had 32 lakh units and provided jobs to 177 lakh people, reflected the dynamism and enterprise of the country.

It was clear that ``as government downsizes, new jobs will have to come in the services and industrial sector, especially the SSI sector''.

His Government was committed to promoting traditional industries as they promoted India's balanced socio-economic development. The Government had announced a major policy package for the SSI sector in August last and had extended greater fiscal benefits, credit support and helped in technology upgradation and improving market access. He promised that the Centre would take effective steps to promote SSI units and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC).

The Prime Minister said he was impressed by the rapid progress Tamil Nadu was making in agriculture, infrastructure and industries sector.

On the demand for a software technology park here, Mr Vajpayee said his government would earnestly look into the demand.

The Union Minister for Rural Development, Mr Venkiah Naidu, said the Government proposed to set up rural artisan work centres and district rural produce marketing centres..

Mr T. R. Baalu, Union Minister for Environment and Forests, assured industries that the Government would safeguard their interests.

Mr S.Gurumurthy, Convenor of Swadeshi Jagran Manch, sought the help of the Government in reviving the textile industry in view of its role in employment generation and contribution to nation's wealth.