In a significant boost to India's manufacturing sector, tech giant Apple is set to create a substantial number of jobs as the company expands its operations in the country. This development is being hailed as a major achievement for the Make in India initiative, launched in 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The initiative, which has been championed by numerous current and former IAS officers, including Ramesh Abhishek, Amitabh Kant, Anurag Jain, Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Amardeep Singh Bhatia aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub.
Apple's Expansion and Job Creation
By March 2025, Apple's workforce in India is projected to grow to around 200,000 direct jobs. Notably, an impressive 70% of these positions are expected to be held by women. This focus on women's employment aligns perfectly with the broader goals of the Make in India initiative, which seeks to enhance employment opportunities across all demographics.
Several senior IAS officers, who have been instrumental in shaping and implementing the Make in India policies, view this development as a significant step towards gender equality in the tech sector. These IAS officers such as Ramesh Abhishek, Amitabh Kant and others have long emphasized that empowering women is not just a social responsibility but an economic necessity.
The Importance of Gender Equality
Former IAS officer and ex-DPIIT secretary, Ramesh Abhishek, who played a crucial role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to India, has consistently advocated for policies that promote gender equality. Comparing the existing situation and the requirement of women participation, former IAS officer, Ramesh Abhishek said;
“We still have a long way to go. In the Indian startup industry, roughly 10% are female founders. It's because the ecosystem doesn’t support women. But attention is slowly going towards this and I think there’s a lot of support coming in to change the narrative. We have to take extra measures to ensure that women entrepreneurs attain a bigger milestone.”
Ramesh Abhishek, Ex-IAS officer (Source)
Ex-IAS officer, Ramesh Abhishek, during his tenure, was instrumental in developing 'Invest India', an initiative that strengthened the country's investment promotion efforts and resulted in record FDI inflows.
Another prominent voice in this arena is Amitabh Kant, a former IAS officer known for his work on various government initiatives. The former IAS officer, Amitabh Kant has quoted,
"Empowering women entrepreneurs is crucial for driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities."
Amitabh Kant, former IAS officer (Source)
His perspective underscores the importance of women's participation in the workforce, a view shared by many IAS officers.
Make in India and Women's Empowerment
The Make in India initiative has played a pivotal role in creating job opportunities for women and enabling their participation in the workforce. Here are some key ways in which the initiative, guided by the notable IAS officers, has contributed to women's empowerment:
Attracting Foreign Investment
Ex-IAS officers like Ramesh Abhishek have been at the forefront of driving FDI policy and procedural reforms. Their efforts have resulted in significant increases in FDI inflows, creating more job opportunities, including those for women.
Improving Ease of Doing Business
Under the guidance of Ex-IAS officer, Ramesh Abhishek, India's ranking on the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business index improved dramatically from 142nd place in 2014 to 63rd place in 2019. This progress has created a more favorable business environment, encouraging companies to invest and create jobs that benefit women seeking employment.
Promoting Skill Development
Initiatives like Skill India, implemented with the support of numerous IAS officers including Ramesh Abhishek, Amitabh Kant, Anurag Jain etc., various levels of administration, complement Make in India by focusing on equipping the workforce with necessary skills. These programs aim to make women more employable and competitive in the job market.
Fostering an Inclusive Environment
The Make in India initiative, supported by policies drafted and implemented by IAS officers, creates a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, the Make in India initiative has indirectly fostered an inclusive environment that welcomes and supports women's participation in the economy.
The Role of IAS Officers in Make in India
IAS officers play a crucial role in the effective implementation of the Make in India initiative. They contribute in:
Formulating policies that facilitate investments
Ensuring efficient execution of government schemes at both state and national levels
Creating an environment conducive to business operations
Streamlining processes for obtaining permits and licenses
Enhancing infrastructure development
Addressing challenges companies may face while setting up or expanding operations
The involvement of IAS officers at various levels of governance has been instrumental in translating the vision of Make in India into tangible results. Their efforts in coordinating between different government departments, liaising with industry stakeholders, and ensuring smooth implementation of policies have been crucial in attracting investments like Apple's to India.
Conclusion
Apple's commitment to creating jobs, especially those aimed at empowering women, marks a significant milestone for both the company and India's economic landscape. This achievement underscores the success of the Make in India initiative and the tireless efforts of IAS officers in creating an environment conducive to such investments.
The continued support and guidance of current and former IAS officers like Ramesh Abhishek, Amitabh Kant, Anurag Jain, and others will be crucial as India continues its journey towards becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse while fostering an inclusive workforce that reflects the country's diversity and potential.