Addressing the concerns of recyclers who are interested in refurbishing in a big way Dr. Sandip Chatterjee, Scientist G & Sr. Director, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Govt. of India, vouched for a Right to Repair Act for them. He said that Indian transformation of economy has been phenomenonal due to a lion’s share of its digital component. India’s digital public infrastructure has been seamlessly growing. Since last many years, the transformation of economy on the lines of Artificial Intelligence is also on the anvil which will definitely necessitate a gigantic data storage system. In the view of India’s potential in the sector, entire global south is eyeing on India’s assistance and contribution. In this backdrop, country needs to change its mindset with regard to electronic wastes. He added that Government of India has also come out with a circular economy action plan. He suggested the recyclers to keep themselves abreast with the technical smartness to handle the electronic wastes. He also suggested measures of recycling of critical metals like copper into formal sector as many of these wastes are processed through informal mode.
More than 120+ industry leaders (including producers, brand owners, recyclers etc) and government officials graced the occasion. Conference was also attended by Dr. Sandip Chatterjee, Scientist G & Sr. Director, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Govt. of India. He appreciated the great efforts being put in by the major stakeholders in circular economy i.e. recyclers, producers and brand owners. He assured the industry leaders that government of India is always there to support them with an unequivocal assurance of minimum regulation in terms of recycling and circular economy.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Ms. Radhika Kalia, Managing Director, RLG India, highlighted the inevitability of efficient and transparent sustainable practices and coined a fascinating phrase “Romance with Sustainability” which enthralled the conference audience to the fullest. She also stressed that sustainability is not an elusive pursuit. In her address she presented hard facts regarding devastation of natural resources and relevance of climate education to stem the tide on war footing. Ms. Kalia suggested the formation of the Recycling Ministry. She also suggested the event organizer PTCC to make a series of events dedicated to the theme of Net Zero Mission and form a advisory committee to optimize the efficacy of stakeholders deliberations.
In a thought provoking panel discussion, panelists like Mr. Jai Kumar Gaurav, Senior Advisor (Climate Change & Circular Economy) GIZ GmbH India, Dr. Sanjay P. Gandhi, AVP, EHSF & Legal, Gujarat Fluorochemicals Ltd and Mr. Ashok Gupta, CMD, IRC Supply Chain Solutions Ltd. came out suggestions regarding reduction of carbon footprints and enabling a amicable ecosystem. They also appreciated the use of electric vehicles in logistics of various brands.
Prof. NK Goyal, President & Chairman Emeritus, CMAI & TEMA, Dr. Prafulla Pathak, President, Solar Energy Society of India (SESI), Ms. Manjri Gopalan, Market Access Regional Manager – India & Southwest Asia, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Mr. Sandeep Trehan, COO, Karma Lakelands, Mr. Paras Gupta, Director EPR & Sustainability GEM Enviro Management, Mr Shiv Challa, Founder & CEO, 3R Zero Waste, Mr. Raj Sahu, Sr Director & Head of Group – ESG & Public Policy – South West Asia Samsung Electronics, Mr Pranava Sinha, DGM-Green & Climate Change Finance, SIDBI Dr. Ajay Ojha, MD, Techknowgreen Solutions Ltd, India, Mr. Tusar Pattnaik, National Head (EPR), Sustainability, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, CA Vikas Jain, VP Corporate Commercial, Blue Star Ltd also enlightened the audience with their valuable insights and vast experiences.
