People should ensure that their spending during Dhanteras and Diwali benefits local businesses and domestic manufacturers rather than multinational companies and China, said Dr Devendra Vishwakarma, convenor of Jai Mahakoshal and secretary of Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh Economic Council. Addressing a public meeting at Malviya Chowk under the ‘Viksit Jabalpur Se Viksit Bharat’ campaign, he highlighted India’s growing trade deficit with China. He added that India’s imports from China stood at $144.45 billion, while exports amounted to just $19.26 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $125.19 billion. He also expressed concern over the rupee’s depreciation against the US dollar. Dr Vishwakarma said that despite growth in India’s GDP and per capita income, rising imports and payments in dollars were increasing the country’s financial burden.

 

He stressed the need to strengthen Jabalpur’s industries and trade, support small and retail businesses, and establish stronger links between farmers’ produce and industries. He appealed to people to purchase locally manufactured products during the festive season, saying this would generate employment and strengthen the economies of Jabalpur, Mahakoshal and the country. Pankaj Nema coordinated the programme. Traders’ representatives Rajesh Rohra and Prabodh Pathak also shared their views while several other dignitaries attended the meeting. The programme was organised jointly by Jai Mahakoshal and Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh Economic Council to create awareness about promoting the local economy and generating employment during the festival of light - Diwali.