A total of 38 companies, including global giants such as Foxconn, HP, Dell and Lenovo, have applied under the ‘Production Linked Incentives’ (PLI) scheme for the information technology (IT) hardware sector. By 10.30 pm on Wednesday, the number of applications had increased to 38, up from 32 around 5.30 pm. The window for submission of applications for the PLI IT Hardware Scheme closes at midnight.
Earlier, Electronics and Information Technology (IT) Minister Ashwini Vaishnav told reporters on Wednesday that the PLI scheme for IT hardware has received overwhelming response from companies. He said that more number of companies have applied for this than expected.
Vaishnav said the companies that have applied include Flextronics, Dixon, Acer, Thompson, VVDN apart from global companies like Foxconn, HP, Dell and Lenovo.
Through the PLI scheme brought in for the IT hardware sector, there is an attempt to increase domestic production of devices such as laptops, all-in-one PCs, servers and tablets. Companies selected under this scheme will get incentives from the government.
The plan is also significant in the sense that the government has announced several restrictions on the import of IT equipment such as laptops and tablets from November 1. Now these products will not be directly imported and will require obtaining a license.
Vaishnav said, “India is emerging as a reliable supply chain partner and value added partner. Companies are happy to come to India for manufacturing and design.
The manufacturing of electronics products in India has grown at an annual rate of 17 percent in the last eight years. This year it has crossed the figure of 105 billion dollars. During this time India has become the second largest producer of mobile phones.
Vaishnav said Dixon has also set up its own plant in Noida where production will start soon. However, most companies will start production from April, 2024 onwards.