Indian companies have recorded exports amounting to Rs 6,911 crores under the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme as of May 31, 2023. This achievement was highlighted by the Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusinh Chauhan, in his written reply to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha on July 26, 2023. The response was in reply to the question regarding India's strength in 5G technology and its potential as a major telecom technology exporter to the world in future. The Minister presented below key insights in his written reply on Wednesday.
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According to the Minister, India has designed and developed its own 4G/5G technology stacks, and the deployment of these advanced technologies has already commenced in Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). The reply further stated to further bolster the telecom ecosystem and promote research and development, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has initiated several key programs aimed at positioning India as a global manufacturing hub:
Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI)
Launched on February 24, 2021, this scheme focuses on promoting domestic manufacturing of specified telecom and networking products, including 4G and 5G technologies, along with design-led manufacturing within the country. Notably, companies under this scheme have achieved exports worth Rs 6911 crores up to May 31, 2023.
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Telecom Technology Development Fund
With 5 percent of annual collections from the Universal Service Obligation Fund dedicated to funding research and development of technologies, products, and services, the DoT has already approved 2 projects under this scheme, amounting to a grant of Rs 240.5 crores, according to the reply.
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Digital Communication Innovation Square (DCIS)
Implemented under the Champion Services Sector Scheme (CSSS), DCIS aims to catalyze a thriving start-up culture and build a strong and inclusive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in the telecom sector. To date, 126 startups and MSMEs have received funding from the DoT, with a grant-in-aid of Rs 105.87 crores, the Minister's reply stated.
The Minister's reply highlights India's developments in 5G technology and showcases the innovation and research in the telecom sector.
