PM plans a big boost to toy manufacturing in India
24 Aug 2020
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held a meeting with senior ministers and officials to discuss ways of boosting toy manufacturing in India so as to enable Indian toys make a global imprint.
Modi said India is home to several toy clusters and thousands of artisans who produce indigenous toys, which not only have cultural connect but also helps in building life-skills and psychomotor skills among children at an early age. He said such clusters should be promoted through innovative and creative methods.
Indian toy market has huge potential and can bring a transformative change in the industry by promoting ‘Vocal for Local’ under AatmaNirbhar Bharat campaign, he said.
The prime minister called for a focused use of technology and innovation towards manufacturing quality products that meet global standards.
Highlighting importance of toys in moulding a child’s mind, the prime minister said toys aligned with Indian culture and ethos should be used as pedagogical tools across all Anganwadi centres and schools for all-round development of children. He even suggested that youth should be encouraged to come up with innovative designs and toys that can instil a sense of pride towards national goals and achievements.
Toys, he said, can be an excellent medium to further the spirit of `Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, adding that toys should reflect India’s value system and culturally established environment-friendly approach.
He further suggested using tourism as a tool to promote India’s culture especially in regions which are renowned for handcrafted toys.
The prime minister also emphasised the need to organise hackathons for youth and students for innovations in toy technology and design, including online games, to reflect Indian ethos and values.
Highlighting the scope of fast growing digital gaming arena, the prime minister said India should tap the huge potential in this area and lead the international digital gaming sector by developing games that are inspired by Indian culture and folk tales.
Indian toy market is flooded by cheap Chinese products and Chinese gaming apps have a global monopoly.
