Manufacturing Challenges In India

he world today sees India’s economy growing into what’s expected  to be one of the biggest global economies by mid-century. Although India is still viewed by manufacturers as an economy where the risks are higher and the business environment more problematic than other rival Asian countries, India does offer some advantages for investors/manufacturers. Analysts say that the legal framework in India that protects investment is one of the best in Asia. The country also offers an abundance of  technical and managerial talent. The demand for electronics hardware is increasing at a rapid pace and is estimated to reach US$ 400 billion by 2020. At the same time, the gap between the demand and local manufacturing will widen and can reach US$ 300 billion, if the necessary measures are not taken on time. The major sectors driving the growth of local electronics manufacturing are telecom, consumer electronics, automobiles, defence, medical electronics, and the EMS industry, the last of which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9 percent over the next five years.

License
The burden of licensing and involvement of the bureaucracy has significantly reduced in India, since 2000. In terms of the companies’ perception of the burden, India is rated better than China and Brazil on business regulation. Licensing is no more a requirement in India, after liberalisation. Only in few areas of manufacturing or services is licensing applicable, as in the case of 3G services, etc ------

Taxation
India’s commercial taxation system is unusually complex, especially where indirect taxes are concerned. While income tax, excise and customs duty are set by the Central Government, states and municipalities also levy their own taxes and provide discretionary exemptions to attract investment. Although the tax policy and many tax rates are set by the Centre, states and municipalities also levy their own taxes, which can overlap with state taxes. A manufacturer has no option but to take professional assistance to understand the tax structure.-------

Infrastructure
Weak infrastructure remains a significant cost factor for companies, although most infrastructure indicators are showing an improvement. For the efficient running of any industry, good infrastructure is of prime importance. Infrastructure helps in improving efficiency, quality, cost, and service. The basic infrastructure for any industry comprises good roads, power, water, telecommunications, finance, raw materials, components, and logistics. In India, availability of these facilities is not upto the mark even in established industrial estates.------


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