New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) In a decisive announcement, Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized on Monday that in order for companies engaged in the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) to continue receiving government support, they must significantly invest in product design within India. During a press conference, he expressed that incentives and backing would be directly linked to tangible advancements in developing local design, quality, and engineering competencies under the ECMS.

Vaishnaw conveyed his discontent regarding the sluggish progress of companies in enhancing their design and quality skills, indicating that the government is prepared to make stringent decisions if necessary improvements are not made. "We may halt any further disbursements or approvals if the industry does not implement actions that align with our expectations," he cautioned.

Outlining the government's expectations, the minister insisted that companies must delve deeper into quality, design, and engineering. He urged industries to broaden their capabilities beyond mere assembly or basic manufacturing to encompass comprehensive conceptual design, engineering design, and manufacturing design.

Vaishnaw warned that even previously approved projects under ECMS could have their funding withheld if companies do not comply with the government’s fundamental requirements. "We will not disburse funds for approved applications if the stipulated criteria are not satisfied," he stated.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has approved 29 applications in the fourth tranche of the subsidy scheme, which involves a total investment of Rs 7,104 crore. With an investment target of Rs 59,350 crore under ECMS, approvals have now surpassed Rs 61,671 crore.

Vaishnaw highlighted the importance of design being conducted in India, saying, "Real value is captured only when design occurs within the country." He acknowledged that while manufacturing contributes to value creation, design holds a unique and significantly higher strategic value. He stressed that manufacturing is often more straightforward compared to the intricate process of transforming a design into a final product that meets precise specifications.

Stressing the necessity of adhering to global-quality standards, Vaishnaw remarked that Six Sigma processes are crucial. "Such processes must be implemented; without them, products will be incomplete," he asserted, highlighting the government’s commitment to reliability, precision, and consistency.

The minister also called attention to the industry’s role in talent development, urging companies to invest in cultivating skilled manpower alongside enhancing physical infrastructure. He assured that the government would continue to support the wider ecosystem, but expects the industry to spearhead the development of high-quality design and engineering talent.