DPIIT Urges White Goods Sector to Capitalize on PLI Scheme Amid Muted Response

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has called on white goods manufacturers to take advantage of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the sector. Despite extended application windows, the response has been muted, with 66 applicants committing an investment of Rs 6,962 crore so far. DPIIT officials emphasized the need for increased industry participation to meet global standards and capitalize on enhanced government capex.

In a renewed push, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has urged white goods manufacturers to capitalize on the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. The plea comes amid a tepid response from the sector despite extensions to the application period.

Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary in DPIIT, announced that the application window, reopened from July 15 to October 12, has yet to draw significant interest. Speaking at the CII Consumer Electronics and Durables Summit 2024, he encouraged the industry to take a closer look and consider applying to this beneficial scheme.

So far, 66 applicants have committed an investment of Rs 6,962 crore under the PLI scheme. The Union Cabinet had initially approved the scheme on April 7, 2021, intending to boost the manufacturing of components and sub-assemblies of Air Conditioners (ACs) and LED lights over a seven-year period. With an outlay of Rs 6,238 crore, the initiative aims to enhance domestic and global market reach for the industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)