Union minister of Electronics and IT has announced the approval of first trench of seven projects under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). Now multi-layer printed circuit boards (PCBs), high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs, camera modules, copper clad laminates, and polypropylene films will be made in India. The move marks a major step in India’s journey from making finished products to manufacturing modules, components, materials and machineries used to manufacture them.
The scheme has received wonderful response from both domestic and global companies. 249 applications have been received, which represents Rs 1.15 trillion investment, Rs 10.34 trillion production, and 0.14 million jobs to be created. It is the highest-ever investment commitment in India’s electronics sector. Further, these approved projects are worth Rs 55.32 billion and will lead to production of components worth Rs 365.59 billion and creation of over 5,100 direct jobs. The approved units are spread across Tamil Nadu (5), Andhra Pradesh (1), and Madhya Pradesh (1). This reinforces the balanced regional growth and expanding high-tech manufacturing beyond metros.
Commenting on the announcement, the minister said, “20 per cent of our domestic demand of PCBs and 15 per cent of camera module sub-assembly will be met through production from these plants.” He also mentioned that the demand of copper clad laminate will now completely be domestically met. The additional 60 per cent of production through these plants will be exported.