To significantly strengthen its domestic electronics production base, the Indian government has officially announced the operational framework for the ₹23,000 crore Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). This strategic initiative is designed to substantially increase the domestic value contribution within the electronics sector and bolster India’s standing in the global supply network.

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized that companies demonstrating strong local design expertise and adherence to stringent ‘six sigma’ quality standards will be given priority in the application process. He suggested that businesses lacking in-house design teams in India risk missing out on the anticipated rapid expansion of the nation’s electronics ecosystem over the next five years.

The online application portal for this six-year scheme will be operational from May 1st. This timely launch coincides with ongoing global geopolitical shifts, presenting a favorable environment for India to attract adjustments in global value chains. S Krishnan, Secretary of the Electronics and IT Ministry, assurance that the ECMS would allow India to significantly boost its share of the world’s electronics production, The objective of this initiative is to increase the current level of domestically added value in electronics manufacturing from 3% to 8% within a six-year timeframe.

The government anticipates that the ECMS will attract new investments totaling ₹59,350 crore, generate approximately 91,600 direct jobs, and facilitate production valued at an estimated ₹4,56,500 crore. The scheme offers a flexible incentive structure, including both turnover-linked and capital expenditure (capex) incentives, or a combination, tailored to the specific needs of the manufactured components. It’s worth noting that a component of both categories of financial benefits is tied to the generation of employment opportunities.

Wide-Ranging Support for the Electronics Ecosystem

The ECMS provides extensive coverage across crucial segments of the electronics manufacturing value chain. This includes key sub-assemblies like display and camera modules, fundamental bare components such as multilayer printed circuit boards (PCBs) and lithium-ion cells, and specialized advanced bare components like High-Density Interconnect (HDI) or Modular Semiconductor Assembly Platform (MSAP) PCBs. Furthermore, the scheme extends support to the essential supply chain ecosystem and the acquisition of necessary capital equipment for electronics manufacturing.

The period for submitting applications for sub-assemblies, fundamental components, and certain specified fundamental components will last for three months. Conversely, the supply chain ecosystem and capital equipment sectors will have an extended application period of two years.

Industry Leaders Express Strong Support and Commitment

Atul Lall, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Dixon Technologies, a leading electronics manufacturing services provider, affirmed the company’s strong commitment to participating in at least four component categories under the ECMS, indicating significant upcoming investments.

Industry bodies have highlighted the critical need for international collaborations and strategic state-level partnerships to effectively expand and strengthen India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem.

Building on Existing Growth Momentum

Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the significant fivefold increase in India’s domestic electronics production and the sixfold surge in exports over the past decade. This existing strong growth, he asserted, provides a robust foundation for the ECMS to achieve its objectives. He noted that the initial groundwork for establishing a strong electronics industry in India has been laid, paving the way for even more rapid growth.

Recent data shows that India’s annual electronics production has surpassed ₹11 lakh crore, approximately $129 billion. With an intermediate goal of reaching $300 billion in electronics production by 2026, the nation has established an ambitious long-term target of achieving $500 billion in domestic electronics output by the fiscal year 2030-31.

Complementary Initiatives Strengthening the Sector

In a parallel development, Sarvam AI, an artificial intelligence startup located in Bengaluru, has been chosen as the pioneering entity to create a homegrown foundational model as part of the IndiaAI Mission. This highlights the government’s holistic approach to fostering technological advancement.

Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of the India Cellular & Electronics Association, anticipates strong competition among states to offer attractive incentives for investments under the ECMS. He pointed out the substantial manufacturing base of the mobile phone sector, which is close to $62 billion, and predicted that the ECMS will expand this expansion to the ecosystem of components and sub-assemblies.

Mohindroo emphasized that effective integration with global value chains (GVCs) is crucial for achieving scale and enhancing competitiveness. Acknowledging its significance, Ashok Chandak, who heads both SEMI India and IESA, praised the ECMS for its potential to bolster India’s manufacturing and product innovation sectors, emphasizing its synergistic relationship with the India Semiconductor Mission. He noted ongoing efforts to attract global players through MoUs and SEMI Global networks.

Targeted Incentives for Various Component Categories

Under the ECMS, display and camera module sub-assemblies with investments of ₹250 crore are eligible for turnover-linked incentives. To be eligible for these incentives in the bare components category, investments must fall within the range of ₹50 crore to ₹500 crore, with the specific amount varying based on the type of component. Selected advanced bare components, requiring investments between ₹250 crore and ₹1,000 crore, will receive a 25% capex incentive in addition to turnover-linked incentives. Capital expenditure for supply chain and capital equipment investments, with a minimum of ₹10 crore, will be eligible for a 25% incentive.

Final Thoughts:

An important step toward expanding electronics manufacturing in India was the introduction of the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme. By offering a mix of incentives and prioritizing quality and design, the scheme aims to attract significant investment, create jobs, and elevate India’s global position. The timing, amidst global shifts, enhances its potential for transformative growth, building on existing momentum through collaborative efforts.