Industry in India

Definition

Industry refers to the organized economic activity involved in the production of goods and services, including manufacturing, construction, mining, and utilities.

Types of Industries

• Primary Industry: Extraction of natural resources like mining, agriculture, and forestry.
• Secondary Industry: Manufacturing and construction activities that transform raw materials into finished goods.
• Tertiary Industry: Service sector industries including transport, communication, and trade.
• Small Scale Industry: Industries with limited capital and workforce, often operating locally.
• Large Scale Industry: Industries with large capital investment and large-scale production, e.g., steel, cement, automobile industries.

Importance of Industry

• Provides employment opportunities to a large section of the population.
• Contributes significantly to the country’s GDP and export earnings.
• Promotes infrastructure development and technological progress.
• Helps in reducing dependence on agriculture.
• Encourages balanced regional development by setting up industries in backward areas.

Recent Trends and Developments

• Growth in MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) sector with government support schemes.
• Boost to Make in India initiative to attract foreign investment.
• Rise in industrial automation and adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Focus on sustainable and green industries to reduce environmental impact.
• Improved infrastructure through industrial corridors and logistics parks.

Previous Year Questions

• SSC CGL 2020: What is the primary sector of the economy?
• Industry involved in extraction of natural resources like agriculture and mining.
• HSSC 2021: Name two large scale industries in India.
• Steel and automobile industries.
• RRB JE 2019: What does MSME stand for?
• Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.
• SSC GD 2020: What is the focus of the Make in India initiative?
• To promote manufacturing and attract foreign investment in India.
• HSSC 2020: Which sector does the service industry belong to?
• Tertiary sector.
• SSC MTS 2019: Define small scale industry.
• Industry with limited capital and workforce, producing goods on a small scale.
• RRB NTPC 2020: What is industrial automation?
• Use of control systems and robots to operate industrial processes automatically.
• SSC CHSL 2021: What is the role of industries in economic development?
• Industries provide employment, increase GDP, and promote infrastructure growth.
• HSSC 2019: What is an industrial corridor?
• A designated area developed with infrastructure to promote industrial growth.
• SSC GD 2021: Which Indian city is known as the 'Manchester of India'?
• Ahmedabad.
• RRB JE 2021: What government scheme supports MSMEs?
• Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).
• SSC CGL 2019: What is the importance of sustainable industries?
• They reduce environmental harm and promote long-term economic health.
• HSSC 2020: Name two industrial regions in India.
• Mumbai-Pune region and the Jamshedpur-Bokaro region.
• SSC MTS 2020: What is the contribution of industry to India’s GDP?
• Approximately 25-30% as of 2025.
• RRB NTPC 2019: What is meant by backward areas in industry context?
• Regions with less industrial development and poor infrastructure.
• SSC GD 2019: Which sector is growing fastest in Indian industry?
• Service sector.
• HSSC 2021: What is the significance of industrial estates?
• They provide infrastructure and facilities to promote industrial growth.
• SSC CGL 2020: What is ‘Make in India’ initiative?
• Government program to encourage companies to manufacture in India.