Govt extends telecom PLI scheme by a year, ups incentive by Rs 4,000 cr

Expands scope to cover design-led manufacturing; policy has also been amended to build a strong 5G ecosystem

The government has extended the productivity-linked incentive scheme for the telecom industry by another year and has expanded its scope to cover design-led manufacturing. The Centre will provide additional incentives of over Rs 4,000 crore under the amended scheme.

The Department of Telecommunications said the decision to amend the scheme was taken following consultation with stakeholders who had complained of stiff incremental and production targets for the first year 2021-22.

The department had notified the PLI scheme last February with an allocation of Rs 12,195 crore. Thirty-one companies were selected under the scheme last October. The beneficiaries will be able