Amid rapid technology upgrade, stiff competition and infrastructural bottlenecks, the scientific apparatus manufacturing industry of Ambala is seeking government’s help to regain its competitive edge. There are over 2,000 units in Ambala Cantonment engaged in the manufacturing of glassware, electronic products, educational instruments and other scientific apparatus, and has an annual turnover of over Rs 3,000 crore.
The manufacturers also believe that the Ambala scientific instruments industry has lost its competitive edge due to dependence on China. Glass tubing, glassware products, microscope, fiberglass models and other products are coming from China. Back in 2022, the late Ambala MP Rattan Lal Kataria had urged the Central Government in Lok Sabha to save the industry from China. Kataria had stated “China has captured around 45 per cent business of Ambala’s scientific industry. If skilled labour is not provided and imports from China is not stopped, the Ambala industry will perish.”
