A meeting of the High Level Committee on Manufacturing (HLCM) was convened on 9th July, 2013 to discuss the strategy for boosting competitiveness and output in two sectors- textiles and steel- and for formulating a long term approach in three strategic industries-civilian aircraft manufacture, electric and hybrid vehicles and advanced materials and composites. Deliberations took place on short and long term strategies for the aforestated five areas.

The High Level Committee on Manufacturing took a decision for the development of civilian aircraft of a 70-100 seater range to begin with, in India. A High Level Steering Group under chairman NMCC has been tasked with working out the modalities of this programme.

The information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Dr. E M Sudarsana Natchiappan, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Civilian aircraft development strategy announced; steering group to develop modalities for a new manufacturing programme boosting competitiveness. A government manufacturing policy initiative directed focused interventions in textiles and steel to boost competitiveness and production and set a long term approach for civilian aircraft manufacture, electric and hybrid vehicles, and advanced materials and composites. A programme decision was made to commence civilian aircraft development, and a High Level Steering Group under the NMCC chairman was tasked to work out the modalities of the programme.