MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
A recent video statement by Samajwadi Party President and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has reignited a crucial national debate on the performance of India’s flagship Make in India initiative. With a sharp metaphor, “Has the Make in India lion begun to rust” ? Yadav questioned whether the ambitious programme has delivered on its promises or merely remained a powerful slogan.
Launched in 2014 with the aim of transforming India into a global manufacturing hub, Make in India promised large-scale employment generation, industrial growth, and increased foreign investment. A decade later, Akhilesh Yadav’s remarks reflect the concerns of many who feel that the initiative’s outcomes on the ground have not matched the scale of its vision.
In the video, Yadav emphasizes that slogans and branding cannot substitute real economic progress. He points to persistent issues such as unemployment, rising prices, and stress on small and medium enterprises, sectors that were expected to benefit the most from manufacturing-led growth. According to him, while announcements are frequent, factories, jobs, and sustainable industrial ecosystems remain limited in many regions.
A key aspect of Yadav’s critique focuses on small manufacturers and local entrepreneurs, who, he argues, have been overshadowed by large corporate interests. He suggests that policies must prioritize grassroots industry, ease access to credit, and provide consistent support to domestic producers if Make in India is to truly empower Indian workers and businesses.
The video also raises questions about accountability. Yadav urges the government to conduct an honest assessment of its economic policies rather than relying on selective data and promotional narratives. He stresses that economic success should be measured by improvements in everyday life, stable jobs, affordable essentials, and confidence among traders and youth, not just by macro-level indicators.
Politically, the statement fits into a broader opposition narrative calling for transparency and course correction. However, its resonance goes beyond party lines. In an era where economic pressures are deeply felt by households, discussions on employment and manufacturing strike a chord with citizens across the country.
Supporters of the government argue that India has made strides in infrastructure, exports, and ease of doing business, and that structural reforms take time to yield results. Critics, however, echo Yadav’s concern that without inclusive growth and visible job creation, ambitious programmes risk losing public trust.What makes Yadav’s statement impactful is not just its criticism, but its underlying message: economic initiatives must evolve with feedback from the ground.
National pride campaigns must translate into real opportunity, particularly for the youth entering an increasingly competitive job market. As India positions itself as a global economic player, debates like these are essential. Whether one agrees with Akhilesh Yadav or not, his remarks serve as a reminder that the success of Make in India, and any national programme, will ultimately be judged not by its logo or slogan, but by the lives it meaningfully improves.
