Re-opening of white goods PLI scheme likely to see muted response
PLI) scheme for white goods such as AC and LED lights is likely to see muted response as several large manufacturers are not going to file fresh investment proposals under it, industry executives said. This third round was opened on July 15 and will close on October 12 to attract additional investment for production of components.
Chief executives of five large manufacturers, who are exiting beneficiaries of this PLI scheme, said the tenure of the scheme for availing incentives remains same till 2028-29 for the third round applicants as those in the earlier two rounds, which does not make it worthwhile since it takes almost two years to start a factory after approval.
Also, the third round has also not changed the clause for PLI applications that a single company may apply for any one category. The chief executives said to make a fresh investment commitment, they need to change their corporate structure which makes no sense since most of the technological collaborations are already with the existing entity.
“We are not going ahead with the third round PLI application since it says only one entity can apply for anyone category under one target scheme. Separate group companies may apply for different target schemes. It makes no sense for us,” said the chief of one of the largest manufacturers.
Industry body, Refrigeration and Airconditioning Manufacturers Association president KJ Jawa said the industry has reached out to the government to extend the application period by two more months and the incentive period
