The government is set to bring out a new policy to spur domestic electronics production by March 2018 in a bid to boost its flagship ‘Make in India’ programme and curb the country’s trade deficit.
“We have set a target of net zero imports in electronics by 2020, and the new policy will focus not only on ramping up domestic production, but also on making India an export hub,” a senior official at the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) told The Hindu.
The official said work was under way to release a draft policy by December that would outline a framework to make India a global leader in product verticals such as medical and automotive electronics, besides mobile phone and consumer electronics. The government had first unveiled an Electronics Manufacturing Policy in 2012, which included schemes such as Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme and electronic development fund. The new policy is likely to take a re-look at the utility of these schemes which have either ended or will expire soon. Deliberations on the revised policy with stakeholders started in September, following which nine sectoral working groups have been formed, the official said. “We are hopeful of finalising the new National Policy on Electronics (NPE) by March 2018,” the official said.
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The working groups, including industry leaders, experts and MeitY officials, are focusing on individual product lines such as mobile handsets and related components, LED products, medical electronics, consumer electronics and automotive electronics (including electric vehicles). Other groups have been tasked with framing a strategy for boosting solar photovoltaic cells, fabless chip design, electronic manufacturing services and products such as semiconductors.
“The working groups will hold consultation meetings and submit their recommendations by November 30, 2017,” the official said.
The official further said that the revised policy will include “Horizontals focussed policy interventions — tariff structure, infrastructure development, generation of intellectual property, promotion of export, management of e-waste, skill development, as well as verticals specific policy directives — vision, mission and strategies, for the identified thrust areas.”
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Innovation, R&D
According to a MeitY notification, the revised National Policy on Electronics will strive to increase the competitiveness of the electronics manufacturing industry; innovation, R&D and start-ups; promoting research in emerging technologies and India-specific initiatives and strategies to promote/ incentivise exports in electronics system design and manufacturing.
Domestic consumption of electronic hardware in India was $63.6 billion in 2014-15. Imports stood at $36.9 billion, as per NITI Aayog.