1. Semiconductors manufacturing: Expansion of the PLI Scheme
Enhanced Allocation: Extend the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme beyond the current allocation of ₹76,000 crore (~$10 billion) with an additional provision of $20 billion over the next five years.
Rationale:
- India’s semiconductor sector is at a pivotal growth stage, driven by government initiatives, strategic collaborations, and a robust domestic market.
- Indian companies and IESA (India Electronics and Semiconductor Association) members, have committed to projects worth over $20 billion.
- The Semicon India Program and ISM have delivered significant contributions to GDP growth, job creation, foreign investments, industrial self-reliance, and bolstering India’s position in the global semiconductor market.
- Proposal: Allocate $20 billion in the upcoming budget to propel the next phase of growth, innovations, and Atmanirbhar Bharat with Global Impact.
2. Enhancing Electronics Value Addition
Current State:
India’s electronics manufacturing can reach $500 billion by 2030-32 from 150 Bn$ of this year.
Current local value addition stands at less than 18%. Increasing this to 40% will create extensive job opportunities and retain significant economic value domestically.
Proposal
Introduce additional PLI outlays linked to local value addition – strictly. PLI to be paid for minimum 25% in 2025-26 and 30 % by 2027.
Focus particularly on the mobile phone segment, which represents the largest opportunity. Enforce stricter value addition norms as a prerequisite for availing PLI benefits.
Provide 5 Bn$ of Incentives for electronics components industry for Companies and JV’s having Majority holding/Stake of Indian corporates/ entrepreneurs.
3. Product Creation and R&D
Long-Term Sustainability: For the electronics and semiconductor industry to thrive sustainably, fostering product creation and intellectual property (IPR) development through dedicated R&D is critical.
Proposal:
- Allocate ₹10,000 crore for targeted R&D initiatives in ESDM sector on PPP model, separate from generic funding and not just the funding to academic institutes but to boost Industry collaborated R&D.
- Consolidate multiple schemes under a unified Product Creation Initiative to high priority products of India needs with global potential to maximize impact.
4. Export Incentives
Boosting Global Competitiveness: To position India as a leading exporter of electronics and semiconductors, targeted export incentives are necessary.
Proposal:
- Introduce 2% Additional Incentives and tax benefits for exports of semiconductor and electronics products that meet value addition norms , particularly in high-demand categories.
- Simplify export procedures and provide logistical support for global market access.
- Establish dedicated trade agreements to secure markets for Indian electronics and semiconductor products, ensuring steady growth in export revenue.
These measures will accelerate India’s transformation into a leading electronics and semiconductor hub, fostering innovation, creating jobs, driving economic self-reliance, and expanding India’s presence in global markets.