PLI Scheme Boosts India’s Telecom Manufacturing; Creates Over 26,000 Jobs

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced significant progress in the implementation of its Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing of telecom and networking products.

Launched on February 24, 2021, with an outlay of Rs 12,195 crore, the scheme has made notable strides in enhancing production capabilities, as per the latest update from the Ministry of Communications.

PLI Scheme Drives Investment & Sales Growth

As of January 31, 2024, the PLI scheme has successfully attracted investments amounting to Rs 4,081 crore.

These investments have led to a total sales generation of Rs 78,672 crore, which includes export sales worth Rs 14,963 crore.

The scheme has also contributed to the creation of 26,351 jobs, supporting India’s growing telecom manufacturing sector.

These figures highlight the tangible impact of the PLI scheme on the economy, as the initiative continues to support the government’s goal of making India a global manufacturing hub for telecom and networking products.

Revised Guidelines to Enhance Domestic Manufacturing

To further promote domestic manufacturing and design-led production, the government has revised the PLI scheme’s guidelines.

A key amendment includes the introduction of an additional 1% incentive for products that are designed, developed, and manufactured in India.

This move aims to encourage innovation and make India a center for high-tech telecom product development.

The revised guidelines also expand the list of eligible products, adding 11 new items based on industry demands.

Companies now have the flexibility to include one or more products from this expanded list at any point during the scheme’s tenure.

Additionally, firms can opt to file incentive claims quarterly, increasing flexibility for businesses to take advantage of the scheme.

Scheme Covers 33 Telecom & Networking Products

The PLI scheme covers 33 telecom and networking products, allowing companies to claim incentives for manufacturing these items domestically.

This comprehensive coverage is designed to boost the production of a wide range of products, from mobile devices to networking equipment, further strengthening India’s position in the global telecom market.

Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, provided the latest update on the PLI scheme in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on March 20.

The minister outlined the scheme’s success in attracting investment, increasing exports, and creating jobs, while also emphasizing the government’s continued efforts to enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities in the telecom sector.

ALSO READ: Sri Sri Ravishankar Critiques India’s Low Ranking On World Happiness Index