The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved two schemes with an outlay of over ₹11,800 crore. It cleared ₹10,000 crore to boost container manufacturing and ₹1,857 crore for the sports goods sector. These plans aim to create many jobs, reduce import dependence, and strengthen India’s position in global manufacturing markets.
Also announces ₹1,857 crore to strengthen sports goods sector
To further boost manufacturing, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved two schemes with the outlay of over ₹11,800 crore. While the first scheme is about boosting container, the second one aims to promote manufacturing of sports goods and equipment in India.
Both the schemes are follow-up of Budget announcements. According to a government statement, the scheme with a budgetary outlay of ₹ 10,000 crore up to FY40 to promote a globally competitive container manufacturing ecosystem in India. It has four components -- interest subvention assistance (ISA), operational expenditure assistance (OEA), testing and certification assistance and land leasing support and operational expenditure assistance.
"The scheme envisages establishing a globally competitive container manufacturing ecosystem in India, reducing import dependence and strengthening supply-chain resilience. It is intended to support both new manufacturing facilities and the expansion of existing container manufacturing units," the statement said. The scheme is expected to generate around 3,000 direct jobs and over 50,000 indirect jobs, while supporting ancillary industries such as corner castings, specialised steel, wooden frames and paints. It also aims to increase annual domestic container manufacturing capacity nearly ten-fold to 7.5 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units)
Sports Goods
According to another statement, 'Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme' aims to strengthen the country's position in the global sports goods sector with initiatives like the development of dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones. The scheme has been approved with a total outlay of ₹1,856.67 crore for the period 2026 to 2033-34.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the scheme as a game changer. This is because, the scheme has elements such as "dedicated manufacturing zones for sports goods-related manufacturing, investment opportunities and MSME support, research, innovation and skill development, Focus on quality. more jobs and export opportunities. It is a major push for Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India's global sporting ambitions," he said.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the scheme will empower the youth of the country through new employment opportunities and drive investments. "Now, not only Indian athletes, but sports equipment made in India will also elevate the pride of the tricolour across the world. This historic step will empower our Yuva Shakti through new employment opportunities, drive massive investments, and realize the ultimate vision of an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat."
The scheme envisages the development of dedicated Sports Goods Manufacturing Zones (SGMZs) to promote cluster-based manufacturing and create integrated industrial ecosystems through the co-location of manufacturers, suppliers, testing facilities, design and prototyping centres, and ancillary enterprises.
"These zones will be developed through convergence with existing industrial infrastructure under the BHAVYA Scheme and NICDC Industrial Parks, enabling efficient manufacturing, stronger industry linkages and enhanced competitiveness across the sports goods value chain," the official statement stated.
Eyeing investments
A key focus of the scheme is to attract new investments and strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity in the sports goods sector. Complementing this, the Turnover Linked Support component will incentivise higher production, capacity expansion and sustained manufacturing growth.
These interventions, backed by a combined outlay of ₹1,130 crore, are expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependence, enhance domestic value addition, catalyse significant private investment, generate employment opportunities across the value chain, and improve India's competitiveness in global markets.