Question: Numerous initiatives have been introduced in the past to enhance the manufacturing sector and achieve industrial self-reliance in India. Nonetheless, the nation still relies on imports for various components and accessories. Are there adjustments being made to policies to lessen this dependency on crucial imports?
ANSWER: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) initiative has significantly contributed to the growth of mobile phone production and associated accessories, leading to the establishment of a comprehensive ecosystem in India for mobile devices as well as other electronics. This initiative now encompasses a variety of sectors, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, bulk drug production, specialty steel, automobile components, and drones. The government is adopting a more holistic strategy that focuses on training and production of critical components. The expanded scheme will also incorporate specialty chemicals, textiles, footwear, and toys to meet both local and international demands. A key focus of this new plan will be on urging the industrial sector to manufacture vital components that can help address gaps within the global supply chain. Incentives linked to annual production increases based on specific targets will be part of the scheme. Apart from the allocated Rs. 2 trillion for the PLI initiative, additional funds are anticipated from budgetary sources to enhance component manufacturing. It’s noteworthy that the PLI scheme has generated approximately 1.15 million jobs over the past three years.
Question: Many developing nations are advocating for a circular economy, and India is expected to join this movement. Are there distinct measures being implemented by the Government?
ANSWER: The circular economy is gaining traction globally as it fosters practices like reuse, refurbishment, and recycling, thereby minimizing waste and the need for new resources. Consequently, the Indian Government is collaborating with the industrial sector to meet the goals of a circular economy by enhancing resource efficiency, implementing waste-to-wealth strategies, and promoting sustainable manufacturing practices. Currently, eleven sectors have been identified that address issues related to electronic waste, plastic packaging, batteries, tires, and used oil. India is also planning to extend the guidelines of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to additional sectors. These guidelines hold producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, particularly in terms of end-of-life management and waste disposal, thereby encouraging sustainable design and recycling practices. Officials from the Indian Government indicate that transitioning to a circular economy could present significant economic opportunities for the recycling industry, projected to reach a value of $3 trillion by the year 2047.
Question: My family runs a convenience store in Nagpur that operates 24/7. However, there have been instances when authorities have instructed us to close by midnight. Is this measure lawful?
ANSWER: According to section 2(2) of the Maharashtra Shops & Establishments Act, 2017, a ‘day’ is defined as a 24-hour period beginning at midnight. Section 11 grants the State Government the authority to impose reasonable restrictions on the operating hours of various types of establishments. In December 2017, specific operating hours were established for permit rooms, beer bars, dance bars, discotheques, and any other establishments selling alcohol. Cinemas and theatres were also mandated to close at designated times. However, as of January 31, 2020, the State Government granted permission for cinemas and theatres to operate 24/7. There are currently no statutory restrictions on the operating hours of other shops and establishments, allowing them to remain open around the clock. Notably, the Bombay High Court recently ruled that shops and establishments have the right to operate continuously throughout the day and night. The Court’s Division Bench emphasized that all-day and all-night operations would offer convenience and flexibility to consumers, especially those with unconventional work hours. They further noted that extended operating hours would contribute positively to the economy through increased consumer spending and job creation. This ruling clarifies that your family’s store may indeed operate 24/7.
HP Ranina is a practicing attorney, specializing in corporate and fiscal laws in India.