Surat : PM Ekta Mall to Boost ‘Vocal for Local’ with Rs.202 Crore Investment

Surat | Gujarat — In a bold step toward realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vocal for Local,” the diamond city of Surat is set to host a state-of-the-art PM Ekta Mall (Unity Mall), with an investment of ₹202 crore. This initiative is part of the Union Budget 2023–24’s nationwide campaign to promote indigenous products and empower local artisans, aligning with the broader mission of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The Prime Minister has consistently championed the ‘Vocal for Local’ movement, urging citizens to support Indian-made goods and services. The Unity Mall in Surat will serve as a flagship embodiment of this campaign, providing a national platform for ODOP (One District, One Product), GI-tagged items, and traditional handicrafts from every corner of India.

Under the dynamic leadership of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state has taken swift action to implement the PM’s vision. The Gujarat Government has allocated land for the mall and is actively facilitating its construction, ensuring that artisans and MSMEs gain access to broader markets and new opportunities.

Key Highlights of Surat’s Unity Mall

• Funding & Support: The project is funded under the Ministry of Finance’s ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023–24,’ with ₹5,000 crore earmarked nationally for Unity Malls.
• Strategic Location: Surat, a financial and tourism hub, has been chosen to maximize visibility and footfall.
• Dedicated Spaces: Each State and Union Territory will have its own showroom to showcase ODOP and GI products, fostering cultural exchange and economic integration.
• Empowering Artisans: The mall will connect local producers with national and international buyers, boosting sales and supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The Unity Mall is more than a marketplace—it is a symbol of India’s rich diversity and entrepreneurial spirit. By promoting Swadeshi products and grassroots innovation, it contributes to the vision of Viksit Bharat.

‘Vocal for Local’ is a transformative national movement, spearheaded by the Central Government and actively promoted by NITI Aayog, aimed at encouraging consumers to prioritize domestically produced goods and services. At its core, the initiative seeks to strengthen India’s economic foundation by empowering local businesses, boosting employment, and enhancing the country’s manufacturing capabilities—thereby advancing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

The movement emphasizes the importance of supporting products made by Indian enterprises, including small businesses, startups, and traditional Kirana stores. By fostering increased domestic production and consumption, it aims to reduce reliance on imported goods and build a resilient, self-sustaining economy.

Beyond economic impact, ‘Vocal for Local’ nurtures a thriving ecosystem for grassroots entrepreneurship. It creates opportunities for innovation, inclusive growth, and prosperity by enabling local producers to access broader markets and contribute meaningfully to India’s development journey.