RTI Question of National Branding and Accountability
While walking through the bustling streets of New York City, one might be surprised to notice a subtle yet bold marker of Indian origin underfoot—sewer lids stamped with the phrase “MADE IN INDIA” or, in some cases, simply “INDIA.” These lids, placed prominently in public spaces and tourist-frequented areas, have stirred a complex set of questions around manufacturing identity, branding, and India’s image abroad.
As a concerned Indian citizen residing in the United States, I was struck not by the presence of Indian-manufactured infrastructure components, but by the way they were presented.
The font size of the national label “INDIA” is often disproportionately large, while there is a conspicuous absence of any manufacturer’s name, company details, or certifying authority.
This raises a fundamental issue: What does it mean to put “MADE IN INDIA” on a product in a global public space without traceable accountability?
A Matter of National Representation
India has, in recent years, made significant efforts to strengthen its manufacturing sector and boost exports under flagship initiatives like “Make in India” and “Brand India.” These programs aim to enhance the perception of Indian manufacturing quality and position India as a global production hub.
However, the effectiveness of these initiatives also depends heavily on how Indian products are perceived abroad, especially when they are publicly visible.
When a product bears the national label “MADE IN INDIA,” it does not just represent a country of origin—it reflects on the country’s quality, ethics, regulation, and identity.
In this context, the sewer lids in New York serve as more than just infrastructure—they become unintentional ambassadors of Indian industry. The lack of attribution or traceability on such items could, unfortunately, risk misrepresenting or diluting the credibility of Indian exports.
Legal and Policy Questions
The visual prominence of “INDIA” on these products, without corporate identity or verification, raises several questions:
Does Indian law regulate how national identifiers like “MADE IN INDIA” are used on exported goods?
Is it permissible to use such markings without identifying the manufacturer or exporter?
Are there specific branding guidelines under programs like “Make in India” to ensure quality, accountability, and image management?
Can such use be challenged legally if found misleading or damaging to India’s image abroad?
Which government body is responsible for ensuring compliance with export labeling and branding standards?
These questions are not merely academic. If Indian-origin products are being presented in a way that lacks authenticity or traceability, it may lead to confusion or reputational damage—especially if those products are substandard, faulty, or misused.
Filing for Transparency: An RTI Initiative
To seek clarity on these concerns, an RTI (Right to Information) application has been drafted and submitted to relevant Indian ministries, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), and potentially the Ministry of External Affairs.
The goal is to understand whether such use of national identifiers is governed by any legal framework, and what safeguards exist to protect India’s national branding in the international sphere.
Among the key RTI queries are:
Legal provisions regulating “MADE IN INDIA” usage.
Guidelines under “Make in India” for international branding.
Responsibility for export labeling standards.
Remedies for potentially misleading or damaging national branding.
Why This Matters
In a globalized economy, national image and product reputation go hand in hand. Countries like Japan, Germany, and South Korea have cultivated international perceptions of quality through carefully managed branding, regulatory oversight, and manufacturer accountability.
India, with its growing role in global manufacturing, must also ensure that its national brand is protected and projected responsibly.
Every instance of “MADE IN INDIA” stamped in concrete or cast in iron represents an opportunity—or a risk. Without proper guidelines and enforcement, even something as mundane as a sewer lid can unintentionally shape international opinions about India’s industrial standards and ethical practices.
Conclusion
The question isn’t whether Indian products should be proudly labeled as such—they absolutely should. The real issue lies in how that pride is represented, who is accountable, and what message is being sent.
As India continues its journey toward becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse, attention to detail in public-facing exports is not just important—it’s essential.
If you have observed similar cases or wish to contribute to this discussion, consider reaching out to relevant government departments or filing an RTI. Transparency and accountability are the first steps toward ensuring that “MADE IN INDIA” always stands for quality, integrity, and national pride.