Under 'AtmaNirbhar' initiative GOI turned PPE crisis into 'opportunity': Smriti Irani

Union Textile Minister, Smriti Zubin Irani on December 11 said that concerted efforts of government, industry, and multiple stakeholders turned PPE crisis into an opportunity for India. Calling this success as an ‘inspiration’ for indigeus manufacturers, Irani said that India was able to produce 60 million PPEs and 150 million N-95 masks domestically during ongoing pandemic crisis that led to a short of medical equipment. At her virtual dress during a meeting related to “A Movement Towards AtmaNirbhar Bharat,” minister said that under its AtmaNirbhar initiative, India was able to spin a dire crisis into a success story as it t only manufactured domestically, but also exported 20 million PPE suits, and close to 40 million N 95 masks overseas. 

“Starting from zero, today we have over 1100 companies for PPE suits and over 200 domestic manufacturers for N-95 masks,” Union textile minister said, ding, that nation did t dilute international standards and exported protective gears at 10 percent of import costs. “We are also comparative with best in world in terms of cost,” Irani said. She ded, that despite lockdown, government also mand to give 5 lakh sustainable direct jobs, and one h to ask for a subsidy. minister assured industry leers that government will continue to provide a supportive environment and ecosystem for growth.

Re: India Extends $448 Mil Line Of Credit To Uzbekistan; 9 MoUs Signed For Cooperation: MEA

Re: India t Responsible For Climate Change: Union Environment Minister Prakash Javekar

Having realized critical role of PPE during global crisis as early as March, India ramped up PPE manufacture to nearly 4.5 lakh PPE kits per day as MoHFW implemented an outreach programme in collaboration with South India Textile Research Association (SITRA). India became second-largest global exporter of protective medical gears classified under class-3 protection level as per ISO 16603 standard, all while becoming self-sufficient in just 60 days, Irani iterated.  

Created industry in '60 days'

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Ministry of Textiles (MoT) brought on board textile and healthcare industry experts, industry associations, and major manufacturing companies, and undertook a joint study to take stock of resources at hand for building an indigeus supply chain and existing gaps that need to be tackled. MoT and MoHFW also mand to establish a network of testing labs and several NABL-accredited laboratories were approved. By July, post lockdown, India’s supply of indigeus PPE kits h surpassed domestic demand, and nation exported 23,00,000 PPEs to US, UK, Senegal, Slovenia, and UAE, Irani said in her dress. “What is remarkable about this journey is that India created an industry when ne existed in 60 days,” Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Ravi Capoor ded. 

Re: India, Uzbekistan Ink 9 Pacts; Resolve To Conclude Investment Treaty Soon

Re: India And Qatar Agree On Institutionalising Measures To Protect Labour Rights