Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced last week the approval of first trench of seven projects under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS). Now multi-layer printed circuit boards (PCBs), high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs, camera modules, copper clad laminates, and polypropylene films will be made in India.
The move marks a major step in India’s journey from making finished products to manufacturing modules, components, materials and machineries used to manufacture them.
Overwhelming response for ECMS
The scheme has received wonderful response from both domestic and global companies. Total 249 applications have been recieved. These represent ₹1.15 lakh crore investment, ₹10.34 lakh crore production, and 1.42 lakh jobs to be created. It is the highest-ever investment commitment in India’s electronics sector.
In total, the seven projects are worth ₹5,532 crore. These projects will lead to production of components worth ₹36,559 crore and creation of over 5,100 direct jobs.
The approved units are spread across Tamil Nadu (5), Andhra Pradesh (1), and Madhya Pradesh (1). This reinforces the balanced regional growth and expanding high-tech manufacturing beyond metros.
Demand-supply gap
The Minister informed, “20 per cent of our domestic demand of PCBs and 15 per cent of camera module sub-assembly will be met through production from these plants.”
Camera modules are compact imaging units that capture photos and videos in electronic devices. Their production in India will enable their usage in smartphones, drones, laptops, tablets, medical instruments, robots, and automotive systems.
Vaishnaw also mentioned that the demand of copper clad laminate will now completely be domestically met. The additional 60 per cent of production through these plants will be exported.
HDI and multi-layer PCBs are the core circuit boards that connect and control every electronic device. These are used in smartphones, laptops, automotive and industrial systems.
Breakthrough in base materials
ECMS also marks India’s strong entry into component materials manufacturing.
For the first time, India will establish a copper clad laminate (CCL) manufacturing facility. CCL acts as a base component for manufacturing multi-layer PCBs. These PCBs go into every electronic equipment. Right now it is imported.
Polypropylene films is the key material used in manufacturing capacitors. This component will be made in India for consumer electronics, automotive, ICT, industrial & manufacturing, telecommunications & computing equipment.
Economic and industrial impact
These projects will reduce import dependence and lower product prices in the domestic market. They will create high-skill jobs in manufacturing and R&D.
Trusted supply chains will be built for defence, telecom, electric vehicles (Evs), and renewable energy.