PLI 2.0: 40 Homegrown And International Companies Sign Up For The Scheme

According to Electronics, IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the response to the PLI 2.0 scheme was more than anticipated.

PC and laptop major Hewlett-Packard that has more than 30 per cent share in the Indian PC market has applied for the government's PLI 2.0 scheme as well. ( Image Source :Getty )

Forty top international laptop and personal computer manufacturers have applied for the government's production linked investment (PLI) 2.0 scheme for IT hardware. According to the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA), 40 domestic and international firms are among the applicants under PLI 2.0. The government approved the PLI scheme 2.0 for IT hardware with a budgetary outlay of Rs 17,000 crore in May, with an aim to give a push to domestic manufacturing of laptops, PCs and ultra-small devices.

“This is not just ‘Make in India’ but ‘Make in India for the World.’ It's about becoming globally competitive, especially when it comes to increasing exports,” Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) was quoted as saying by news agency IANS.

“The days when our nation could not convince the global industry about its competitiveness and Ease of Doing Business (EODB) are coming to an end,” he added.

According to Electronics, IT and Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the response to the PLI 2.0 scheme was more than anticipated. The government is expecting investments worth Rs 5,000 crore. The scheme is also projected to create 75,000 direct jobs and over 2,00,000 indirect jobs, thereby significantly boosting employment opportunities in the sector.

“HP is a longstanding partner of India’s digital transformation journey and one of the pioneers of the country’s IT manufacturing sector. We welcome the PLI scheme for IT hardware manufacturing and look forward to exploring new opportunities to meet the growing demand for PCs. India is a dynamic growth market, and we are excited about the possibilities ahead,” said the company.

California-headquartered PC and laptop major Hewlett-Packard (HP) that has more than 30 per cent share in the Indian PC market has applied for the government's PLI 2.0 scheme as well. 

“HP is a longstanding partner of India’s digital transformation journey and one of the pioneers of the country’s IT manufacturing sector. We welcome the PLI scheme for IT hardware manufacturing and look forward to exploring new opportunities to meet the growing demand for PCs. India is a dynamic growth market, and we are excited about the possibilities ahead,” the company told ABP Live.

French electronics manufacturer Thomson is also working towards finalising a local contract manufacturer based out of Noida, Uttar Pradesh to start assembling devices within the country. Thomson is currently selling its laptops in several European countries, including France.

According to Counterpoint Research, Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple and Acer were the top five companies in the personal computer segment in the June 2023 quarter. Research Director of Counterpoint Research Tarun Pathak said the total laptop and PC market size in India is close to $ 8 billion annually, and approximately 65 per cent of the units are imported.