Why are the Telangana Government Police Using Toyota Cars Which is Not an Indian Company?
The question of why the Telangana government police use Toyota cars, which is not an Indian company, might seem perplexing at first glance. However, the crux of this inquiry involves understanding the broader context of India's automotive industry and government procurement processes.
Understanding 'Make in India' and Government Procurement
The phrase 'Make in India' is a concept and scheme aimed at attracting large companies to establish manufacturing in the country. This initiative does not imply that all government vehicles must be exclusively Indian-manufactured. Instead, it encourages foreign companies to set up factories in India, promoting local production and employment generation.
Government Car Procurement
When any government department requires vehicles or any other equipment, they typically prepare a checklist of their requirements. This includes factors such as cost, performance, endurance, and reliability. Companies are then approached, and the one that meets the criteria the most gets the contract. An important aspect is that the procurement process is transparent and conducted through tenders, which are awarded to the lowest bidder. This transparency ensures that the government gets the best deal for the taxpayers’ money.
The Case of Toyota in India
Toyota Motor Corporation has a manufacturing presence in India through its joint ventures Toyota Kirloskar Motor. Their manufacturing facilities in India offer products that meet the 'Make in India' criteria. As such, when the Telangana government chose Toyota cars for its police force, it was a strategic decision based on the vehicle's performance, durability, and competitive pricing.
Comparison with Other Indian Brands
The Indian government does use indigenous brands like Mahindra and Ambassador for certain government vehicles. However, the choice of Toyota by the Telangana government police might be a reflection of the superior quality, reliability, and service offered by the brand.
India's Automotive Sector and 'Make in India'
India's automotive sector, like many others, faces complex challenges. Post-independence, India adopted a constitution and policies driven by a 'divide to rule' approach, focusing on redistributive policies that hindered industrial growth. This system, often referred to as Pangolin, perpetuates socio-economic disparities and maintains a culture of importing goods despite significant technological and manufacturing capabilities.
Under the current framework, the term 'Make in India' is interpreted as attracting foreign investment and setting up production units in the country. While this strategy does create employment and promote economic activity, it also highlights India's reliance on foreign-made products for critical sectors. This is particularly true for high-end vehicles like the Toyota used by the police, where locally-manufactured alternatives are often deemed subpar due to cost or quality issues.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice of Toyota cars by the Telangana government police is a rational decision based on stringent procurement criteria, such as cost, performance, and reliability. The 'Make in India' initiative supports both foreign and indigenous brands, promoting competition and economic development. While critical sectors in India do rely on foreign-made products, efforts are ongoing to foster a robust manufacturing ecosystem that can cater to diverse needs.