How has the PLI Scheme attracted Rs 1.76 lakh crore investments and created over 12 lakh jobs?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The PLI scheme has attracted Rs 1.76 lakh crore in investments.
- Over 12 lakh jobs have been created through this initiative.
- 806 applications have been approved across 14 sectors.
- Electronics manufacturing has grown by 146 percent.
- Future reforms are needed to enhance the scheme's effectiveness.
New Delhi, Sep 21 (NationPress) The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in India has successfully attracted an impressive Rs 1.76 lakh crore in pledged investments since its inception in 2020, resulting in the creation of over 12 lakh jobs, according to a recent report.
This initiative has accepted 806 applications across 14 key sectors, primarily aimed at enhancing manufacturing in alignment with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, as highlighted by a report from India Narrative.
The scheme motivates companies by providing incentives for increased sales that exceed a predetermined baseline. Initially, it focused on sectors such as mobile electronics, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and medical devices. Subsequently, sectors like automobiles, textiles, food processing, solar modules, semiconductors, and many others were included.
As a result of the PLI scheme, the electronics and mobile manufacturing sector witnessed a remarkable growth of 146 percent, skyrocketing from Rs 2.13 lakh crore in FY 2020-21 to Rs 5.25 lakh crore in FY 2024-25.
The automotive and auto-component sectors have attracted more than Rs 67,000 crore in investments.
By March 2025, participants in the PLI across all sectors are projected to report combined sales exceeding Rs 16.5 lakh crore, the report mentioned.
While Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) gain indirect benefits, their direct involvement in PLI schemes is still limited. Addressing these limitations will be crucial for the scheme to fulfill its transformative potential.
However, several projects have faced execution delays, largely due to competition from countries like Vietnam and China, necessitating ongoing innovation in policy design and logistics infrastructure, as noted in the report.
While the electronics and pharmaceutical sectors are thriving due to the PLI scheme, others, such as textiles and white goods, require additional time to develop.
The report also emphasized that improved monitoring, supportive reforms in logistics and infrastructure, and increased budget allocations for FY 2025-26 will enhance the PLI's effectiveness, aiming to elevate the manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP to 25 percent.
Moreover, the scheme is anticipated to establish India’s presence in global supply chains for electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), and pharmaceuticals.