Mains Daily Question
June 30, 2023
Explain how the PLI scheme is expected to impact the domestic and global competitiveness of Indian industries.
Approach:
Introduction: Define the PLI scheme, mention its key features, and discuss the potential benefits of the PLI scheme for Indian industries.
Body: Explain how the PLI scheme is expected to boost domestic manufacturing. Also, explain how the PLI scheme is expected to help Indian industries make inroads into global markets, make India a more attractive destination for foreign investment, and boost India's export earnings.
Conclusion: Discuss the potential challenges of the PLI scheme and how they can be addressed.
Answer:
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is a government programme that offers subsidies to companies based on a percentage of their incremental sales. The goal of the PLI scheme is to boost domestic manufacturing and make Indian industries more competitive in the global market.
The PLI scheme has been implemented in a number of sectors, including electronics, textiles, and automobiles. For instance, according to a report by NITI Aayog, the PLI scheme for mobile phones and electronic components is expected to create 8 lakh direct jobs and 20 lakh indirect jobs by 2025.
The PLI scheme is expected to boost domestic manufacturing, as explained below:
- Increase the competitiveness of Indian manufacturers by lowering their cost of production and enhancing their quality standards. The scheme will also help them access global markets and increase their exports.
- Create employment opportunities for millions of people, especially in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, electronics, and automobiles. The scheme will also generate demand for skilled workers and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and technology transfer from global players who want to benefit from the incentives and the large domestic market. The scheme will also encourage joint ventures and collaborations between Indian and foreign firms.
- Reduce India's trade deficit and improve its balance of payments by increasing domestic production and reducing imports of finished goods and components. The scheme will also save foreign exchange and improve India's self-reliance.
- Support the development of key sectors that are vital for India's economic growth and strategic interests, such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, telecom, and defence. The scheme will also help India achieve its goals of clean energy, digital connectivity, health security, and national security.
- Spur innovation and research and development (R&D) in various fields, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and robotics. The scheme will also create a conducive ecosystem for startups and incubators to flourish.
- Have positive spillover effects on other sectors and industries that are linked to the beneficiaries of the scheme. For example, the growth of electronics manufacturing will boost the demand for semiconductors, batteries, displays, etc.
- Have a multiplier effect on the overall economy by increasing the income and consumption of the people, especially the rural and low-income groups. The scheme will also boost the government's tax revenue and enable it to spend more on social welfare and infrastructure.
The PLI scheme is also expected to help Indian industries make inroads into global markets, as explained herewith:
- By providing financial incentives, the PLI scheme can help Indian companies reduce their production costs and become more competitive in the global market. This is because the PLI scheme provides financial assistance to companies that meet certain production targets. This can help Indian companies price their products more competitively and make them more attractive to buyers in global markets.
- By helping Indian companies improve their quality standards, the PLI scheme can make Indian products more attractive to global buyers. This is because the PLI scheme provides financial assistance to companies that invest in research and development, quality control, and marketing. This can help Indian companies produce high-quality products that meet the standards of global buyers.
- By helping Indian companies expand their production capacity, the PLI scheme can help them meet the growing demand for their products in global markets. This is because the PLI scheme provides financial assistance to companies that invest in new factories and equipment. This can help Indian companies increase their production capacity and meet the growing demand for their products in global markets.
- By helping Indian companies build their brand reputation in global markets, the PLI scheme can help them attract more buyers and boost their exports. This is because the PLI scheme provides financial assistance to companies that participate in international trade fairs and exhibitions. This can help Indian companies build their brand reputation in global markets and attract more buyers.
- By helping Indian companies comply with international standards, the PLI scheme can make it easier for them to export their products to global markets. This is because the PLI scheme provides financial assistance to companies that invest in the necessary infrastructure and training to comply with international standards. This can help Indian companies export their products to global markets without any problems.
The PLI scheme has the potential to be a valuable tool for promoting domestic manufacturing and making Indian industries more competitive in the global market. However, there are some potential challenges due to the high costs involved with the subsidies, competition from countries like China, and compliance with international standards. By addressing these challenges, the government can help ensure that the PLI scheme contributes to the growth and competitiveness of the Indian manufacturing sector.