Citing the creation of the International Solar Alliance as a “great opportunity”, he noted that Indian companies should invest in the research and development (R&D) for solar equipment manufacturing and solar battery storage which would help companies cater to all the three aspects of “people, planet and profit”. According to him, timely investment in R&D for solar rechargeable batteries would be the next big thing and will give India the edge in this emerging sector. He also asked the Kolkata-based industry body to come up with investments in the segment of jute bags and other accessories as the country moves towards a plastic-free future. Talking of the banking reforms taken by the government in the past few years, he said that those considered “have-nots” also have bank accounts now under the Jan Dhan scheme.

                                     

Prime Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian Chamber of Commerce for developing the manufacturing sector in the east and north east India. Asking the industry to move ahead and invest more to achieve growth, he assured them of the Government’s commitment to support businesses and corporates.