Power Ministry joins 'Make in India' pitch, calls for curbs on imports

Customs duty on Chinese solar gears, low cost finance to those using Indian goods

The Ministry of Power, in a discussion with the electricity industry and key stakeholders of the sector, has asked for a renewed focus on domestic manufacturing and announced curbs on imports. R K Singh, the Union minister of state for power, new and renewable energy, announced that a basic customs duty (BCD) would be imposed on imports of solar cells and modules. The minister said the duty would take effect in August. 

A BCD of 20 per cent on solar imports was proposed in the Union Budget 2020-21. However, the ministry said it would remain zero. Solar cells and modules