PLI scheme-emerging investment opportunity

PLI scheme-emerging investment opportunity

19 October 2022 15 min read

India had once been the dominant country for years in terms of Agriculture. For all those who believed India was a third world country with limited economic potential, just a few decades ago India has proved itself yet again by being the most preferred software services outsourcing and knowledge processing destination of the world. The nation has produced about 100 “unicorns” valued at over $1 billion.

2021 Global Manufacturing Risk Index: India and the US switched places–second and third–
-taking India one rank above from the rankings. India is benefiting from plant relocations from China to other parts of Asia due to its already established base in pharmaceuticals, chemicals and engineering, sectors that continue to be the focus of U.S.-China trade tensions. Recent reforms in India is key to India’s success as a global manufacturing location.

“India Emerges as 2nd Most Attractive Manufacturing Hub Globally”
– ET Bureau

PLI scheme-emerging investment opportunity

Gross Fixed Capital Formation in India increased to 13,710 INR Billion in the first quarter of 2022 from 11,520 INR Billion in the fourth quarter of 2021. There is an immediate need for revival in Capex. The Gross Fixed capital formation as a % of GDP has fallen to less than 30% currently.

India is now aiming for becoming a global manufacturing hub. In order to give manufacturing initiative a global push, Indian government tested Indian/ Global manufacturing Companies to manufacture in India by launching the Production Linked Incentive Scheme in Mar 2020.

Need for PLI Framework

Need for PLI Framework

Macro Impacts of PLI Scheme

Government of India has announced an outlay of INR 1.97 Lac Crores for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes across key sectors, to create national manufacturing champions. Additionally, the government is also working on reducing compliance burden, (minimum government maximum governance) improving the ease of doing business (our ranking has improved from 142 in 2014 to 63 in 2021), creating multi-modal infrastructure to reduce logistics costs, and constructing district-level export hubs.

Various Impacts of the Scheme

  • Increased Production – Additional production of 500bn$ (30 lac crore+) in 5 yrs
  • Reduced imports & Increased Exports – Reduce China’s imports by 50% and add yearly about Rs 2 lac crore of Exports
  • Growth in GDP – Potential to add 3% to GDP annually
  • Capex – More than Rs 2,00,000 Cr
  • Employment – To create 60 lac new jobs

The schemes have received Interest from 900 companies and about 500 have got approvals so far for one scheme or the other. Around 20% of the companies are global multinationals while others are domestic. Nearly 50% of the domestic players are Mid and Small cap or in the MSME category. There are nearly 100 companies which are listed in stock Exchanges

What Makes PLI Scheme So Attractive For Manufacturers

1. PLI is Unique

Most countries have adopted tax reduction or tax holidays as a resort to boost production but PLI is an incentive to Sales. US, Australia, and China have launched PLI like scheme for ACC battery storage in early 2012.

2. PLI Provides a Margin Cushion to the Manufacturer

There is an inherent amount of Profitability % attached with The PLI scheme as the incentives range from 2%-20% on Incremental Sales.

3. Timely launches of PLI Scheme Extend Confidence

For most of the sectors, date timelines have been followed and there has not been much delay. Only a few have encountered delays as inputs from Industry needed to be incorporated.

4. Well Laid Down Rules for Selection of Beneficiaries

The Gazette in India notifications on guidelines for the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for any industry, lays clearly the Definitions, tenure, Eligibility, Applications Approval under the scheme and The Calculation and Disbursement of the Scheme etc. In PLI, investors are chosen for PLI based on a detailed evaluation of their proposals submitted online.

5. PLI Seeks Participation from Industry and is not an Imposition on Industry

The Government has given ample room for all types of companies- be it a global manufacturing foreign company, a local large scale domestic company, Small and Medium Scale manufacturers or even new entrants.

6. PLI will Extend to Several other Industries

About 14% of the total outlay is yet to be announced. In the near future, similar incentives are likely to be extended to several other products such as electronic segment for semiconductor FAB(s), display FAB(s), wearables, hearables, IoT devices etc.

Step by Step Inclusion of Sectors to be Benefitted by the PLI Schemes

Budget Outlay (Rs Cr)
March 2020
Key Starting Materials (KSMs)/Drug Intermediates (DIs) and APIs: Department of Pharmaceuticals 6,940
Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology 40,995
Manufacturing of Medical Devices: Department of Pharmaceuticals 3,420
November 2020
Electronic/Technology Products: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology 7,350
Pharmaceuticals drugs: Department of Pharmaceuticals 15,000
Telecom & Networking Products: Department of Telecommunications 12,195
Food Products: Ministry of Food Processing Industries 10,900
White Goods (ACs & LED): Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade 6,238
High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy 4,500
Automobiles & Auto Components: Department of Heavy Industry 25,938
Advance Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery: Department of Heavy Industry 18,100
Textile Products: MMF segment and technical textiles: Ministry of Textiles 10,683
Specialty Steel: Ministry of Steel 6,322
September 2021
Drones and Drone Components: Ministry of Civil Aviation 120
Total Budget Outlay out of Rs 1,97,000 Cr till date 1,68,701

Detailed Sector Wise Overview

Out of 573 companies that have been approved for one scheme or the other, ~100 companies attract Stock market participants’ interest as they are listed on stock exchanges and hence available for investment freely. Maximum number of listed companies are available in Electronics, Automobiles and Auto component sector, food processing sector and Pharmaceuticals sector.

Key Starting Materials / Drug Intermediates & APIs (Phase 1)

Key Starting Materials

Indian pharmaceutical industry is the 3rd largest in the world by volume and 14th largest by value. India contributes 3.5% of total drugs and medicines exported globally. However despite these achievements, India is significantly dependent on import of some basic raw materials. India imports bulk drugs to finish dosage formulations. Bulk drugs accounted for 63% of total pharmaceutical imports in the country during Fy18-19.

The Scheme has been Approved under 4 Categories

Segment I Fermentation based KSMs/ DIs
Segment II Fermentation based niche KSMs/ DIs/ APIs
Segment III Key Chemical based based KSMs/ Dis
Segment IV Chemical Synthesis based niche KSMs/ DIs/ APIs

List of Eligible Products

S. No Name of the KSM/DI/API
1 Penicillin G
2 7-ACA
3 Erythromycin Thiocynate (TIOC)
4 Clavulanic Acid
5 Neomycin
6 Gentamycin
7 Betamethasone
8 Dexamethasone
9 Prednisolone
10 Rifampicin
11 Vitamin B1
12 Clindamycin Base
13 Streptomycin
14 Tetracycline
15 Ritonavir
16 Lopinavir
17 Acyclovir
18 Carbamazepine
19 Oxcarbazepine
20 Vitamin B6
21 Levodopa
22 1.1 Cyclohexane Diacetic Acid (CDA)
23 2-Methyl-5Nitro- Imidazole (2-MNI)
24 Dicyandiamide (DCDA)
25 Para Amino Phenol
26 Meropenem
27 Atorvastatin
28 Olmesartan
29 Valsartan
30 Losartan
31 Levofloxacin
32 Sulfadiazine
33 Ciprofloxacine
34 Olfloxacin
35 Narfloxacine
36 Artesunate
37 Telmisartan
38 Aspirin
39 Diclofenac Sodium
40 Levetiracetam
41 Carbidopa

Note: The 41 eligible products for which the Scheme is proposed covers the 53 APIs Whichhave been approved by the Government.

Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing

Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing

Electronics manufacturing: The budget outlay for this scheme is INR 400 billion (US$5.38 billion). The scheme offers a production linked incentive to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in mobile phone manufacturing and specified electronic components, including Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) units. The Scheme would tremendously boost the electronics manufacturing landscape and establish India at the global level in electronics sector.

Manufacturing of Medical Devices

Manufacturing of Medical Devices

Medical Device is a growing sector and its potential for growth is the highest among all sectors in the healthcare market. It is valued at Rs. 50,026 crore for 2018-19 and is expected to reach to Rs. 86,840 crore by 2021-22. India depends on imports up to an extent of 85% of total domestic demand of medical devices. The Medical Device sector suffers from a cost of manufacturing disability of around 12% to 15%, vis-a-vis competing economies, among other things, on account of lack of adequate infrastructure, domestic supply chain and logistics, high cost of finance, inadequate availability of quality power, limited design capabilities and low focus on R&D and skill development, etc. There is, thus, a need for a mechanism to compensate for the manufacturing disability.

The target for PLI Scheme is to provide assistance to about 25-30 manufacturers under the following categories of medical devices:- Cancer care / Radiotherapy medical devices, Radiology & Imaging medical devices (both ionizing & non-ionizing radiation products) and Nuclear Imaging Devices, Anesthetics & Cardio-Respiratory devices incl. Catheters of Cardio Respiratory Category & Renal Care Medical Devices and AII Implants including implantable electronic devices like Cochlear Implants and Pacemakers.

Electronic/Technology Products

Electronic/Technology Products

The target segments under the PLI Scheme for IT Hardware include Laptops, Tablets, All-in- One Personal Computers (PCs) and Servers. Currently, the laptop and tablet demand in India is largely met through imports valued at USD 4.21 billion and USD 0.41 billion respectively in 2019-20. The market for IT Hardware is dominated by 6- 7 companies globally which account for about 70% of the world’s market share. These companies are able to exploit large economies of scale to compete in global markets. It is imperative that these companies expand their operations in India and make it a major destination for manufacturing of IT Hardware. Domestic Value Addition is expected to grow from the current 10-15 percent to 25-30 percent.

Key Starting Materials /Drug Intermediates & APIs (Phase 2)

Key Starting Materials

The PLI Scheme for promotion of domestic manufacturing of critical Key Starting Materials (KSMs) / Drug Intermediates (DIs) / Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in India or PLI Scheme for Promoting Domestic Manufacturing of Medical Devices

Group A – Applicants having Global Manufacturing Revenue (FY 2019-20) of pharmaceutical goods and/or in vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices more than or equal to Rs. 5,000 crore

Group B – Applicants having Global Manufacturing Revenue (FY 2019-20) of pharmaceutical goods and/or in vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices between Rs. 500 (inclusive) crore and Rs. 5,000 crore

Group C – Applicants having Global Manufacturing Revenue (FY 2019-20) of pharmaceutical goods and/or in vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices less than Rs. 500 crore. This group shall include a sub-group for MSME applicants, i.e., applicants registered as Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) with the Ministry of MSME, Government of India.

Telecom and Networking Products

Telecom and Networking Products

India is the second-largest telecommunications market in the world (after China) in terms of subscribers and internet users. As per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) data, subscriber base in the country stood at ~1.2 billion (as of August 2021), while internet users stood at ~825.30 million (as of March 2021). The PLI scheme, which aims to make India a telecom equipment manufacturing hub by attracting global investments as well as nurture homegrown companies.

The scheme’s target segment includes Core transmission equipment, 4G/5G next-generation radio access network and wireless equipment, Access and customer premises equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT) access devices and Other wireless equipment and enterprise equipment (for example: switches, routers, etc.).

Food Products

Food Products

The implementation of the scheme would facilitate expansion of processing capacity to generate processed food output of Rs 33,494 crore and create employment for nearly 2.5 lakh persons by the year 2026-27.

The scheme is made up of the following components:

  • Incentivize the manufacture of four major food product segments: ready-to-cook/ready- to-eat foods, marine products, processed fruits and vegetables, and mozzarella cheese. Innovative and organic products from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such as eggs, egg products, and poultry meat, are covered under this component.
  • Support the branding and marketing of select Indian food products abroad to enable their entry into international food markets and increase their visibility.

Details of Each Category

Category Details
Category I Applicants are large entities who apply for Incentive based on Sales and Investment Criteria. Applicants could undertake Branding & Marketing activities abroad also and apply for grant under the scheme with a common Application.
Category II SMEs Applicants manufacturing innovative/ organic products who apply for PLI Incentive based on Sales.
Category III Applicants applying solely for grant for undertaking Branding & Marketing activities abroad.

White Goods (ACs & LED) Tranche 1 and Tranche 2

White Goods

The PLI Scheme for White Goods (PLIWG) was notified in April 2021, to provide financial incentives to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in the white goods manufacturing value chain.

The target segments under air conditioners are:

  • Air conditioners (components-high value intermediates or low value intermediates or sub- assemblies or a combination thereof).
  • High value intermediates (copper tubes, aluminum foil, and compressors).
  • Low value intermediates (PCB assembly for controllers, BLDC motors, service valves, and cross flow fans for AC and other component.
  • The target segments under LED include:
  • LED lighting products (core components like LED chip packaging, registers, ICs, fuses, and large-scale investments in other components).
  • Components of LED lighting products (like LED chips, LED drivers, LED engines, mechanicals, packaging, modules, wire wound inductors, and other components).
  • 19 applications received in the second round under the PLI Scheme for White Goods and Four applicants are being referred to the Committee of Experts (CoE) for examination and its recommendations.

High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules (Tranche1 closed, Tranche 2 open)

High-Efficiency Solar PV Modules

There is an ambitious target set by the Government of India to achieve 500 Giga Watts of Energy from renewable energy resources in order to meet half of the country’s energy needs by the end of 2030. The government wants to achieve this target with solar and wind energy contributing 400 GW and the rest is to be met my Hydro and other renewable resources.

The PLI scheme is in furtherance to this target. The minimum capacity of the manufacturing unit to be installed shall be 1,000 Megawatt. Apart from other benefits there will be Additional 10,000 MW capacity of integrated solar PV manufacturing plants, Direct investment of around Rs.17,200 crore in solar PV manufacturing projects, Demand of Rs.17,500 crore over 5 years for ‘Balance of Materials‘ and Impetus to Research & Development to achieve higher efficiency in solar PV modules.

Tranche II has been proposed by the government with the increase in allocation to Rs 24,000 crore.

Auto & Auto Components

Auto & Auto Components

The scheme is expected to boost domestic manufacturing capacity, including the production of electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The PLI scheme seeks to benefit makers of advanced automotive technologies or auto components – whose domestic supply chains are weak, dormant, or non-existent. The scheme excludes conventional petrol, diesel, and CNG segments (internal combustion engine) since these have sufficient production capacity in India. The PLI scheme for the automobile sector has two parts.

The Champion OEM Incentive Scheme is for battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles of all segments.

The Component Champion Incentive Scheme is for advanced automotive technology components of all vehicles, CKD/SKD kits, vehicle aggregates of 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and tractors.

Advanced Chemical Cell (ACC) Batteries

Advanced Chemical Cell

An outlay of INR 181 billion (US$2.43 billion) has been earmarked by the government towards the scheme, which is intended to establish local manufacturing capacity of 50 Giga Watt Hour (GWh) of ACC and five GWh of Niche ACC capacity.

This scheme is in sync with India’s objective of accelerating EV adoption over the coming decade, while also reducing the dependence on imports. The manufacturing facility as proposed by the beneficiary firm would have to be commissioned within a period of 2 years. The subsidy will be disbursed thereafter over a period of 5 years. ACC PLI scheme is expected to accelerate EV adoption and hence translate into net savings of Rs 2,00,000 crore to Rs 2,50,000 crore on account of oil import bill during the period of this program and increase the share of renewable energy at the national grid level.

Textile Products: MMF Segment and Technical Textiles

Textile Products

Government approved PLI Scheme for Textiles products namely MMF Apparel, MMF Fabrics and Products of Technical Textiles for enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities and enhancing exports. The scheme has two parts, Part 1 where minimum investment is Rs. 300 crore and minimum turnover required to be achieved for incentive is Rs.600 crore; and Part-2, where minimum investment is of Rs. 100 crore and minimum turnover required to be achieved for incentive is Rs. 200 crore. The government is eyeing the second edition of production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles and has begun consultations with the industry.

Drones and Drone Components

Drones and Drone Components

India has the potential of becoming a global drone hub by 2030 , given its traditional strengths in innovation, information technology, frugal engineering and its huge domestic demand. The drones and drone components manufacturing industry may see an investment of over INR 5,000 crore over the next three years. The annual sales turnover of the drone manufacturing industry may grow from INR 60 crore in 2020-21 fold to over INR 900 crore in FY 2023-24. The drone services industry (operations, logistics, data processing, traffic management etc.) is far bigger in scale. It is expected to grow to over INR 30,000 crore in next three years.

Specialty Steel

Specialty Steel

In 2019-20, India was the 2nd largest producer of steel in the world. The country is also the 2nd largest consumer of finished steel as per the World Steel Association. Capacity for domestic crude steel production expanded from 109.85 MTPA in 2014-15 to 142.24 MTPA in 2018-19. India exported USD 5,182 Mn worth of steel in 2019-20 and imported USD 6,304 Mn worth of steel in the same FY. In 2020-21, India’s steel exports were at USD 6,356 Mn and imports were at USD 4,333 Mn. Going forward, the domestic steel consumption would need to increase significantly to ~160 MTPA by 2024-25. Current planned capacity expansions of existing players are expected to add approximately 28-30 MTPA by 2024-25. To meet the increased demand, an additional capacity of 25-30 MTPA would be required. The growth potential for the sector is thus immense and the domestic steel consumption will increase significantly in line with this vision.

The five categories of specialty steel that have been selected in the PLI scheme are coated/ plated steel products, high strength/wear resistant steel, specialty rails, alloy steel products and steel wires, and electrical steel.

Guidelines were released in November 2021 and the ministry has opened the window for applications. Due to tepid response, the steel ministry has made many changes in the actual format of the scheme after consultation with big steel companies. The last date for application was extended to 31st July 2022.

Listed Companies Approved for PLI Scheme

Listed Companies Sector
Rajesh Exports Limited Advanced chemical cell (ACC) batteries
Alicon Castalloy Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Asahi India Glass Ltd. Auto and Auto Components
Ashok Leyland Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Automotive Axles Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Bajaj Auto Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Bharat Forge Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Bosch Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Ceat Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Hero MotoCorp Ltd. Auto and Auto Components
Lumax Auto Technologies Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. Auto and Auto Components
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Minda Corporation Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Minda Industries Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Motherson Sumi Systems Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Motherson Sumi Wiring India Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Pricol Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Sandhar Technologies Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Sansera Engineering Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Schaeffler India Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Sharda Motor Industries Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Steel Strips Wheels Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Sundram Fasteners Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Tata Motors Ltd Auto and Auto Components
The Hi-Tech Gears Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Tube Investments Of India Ltd Auto and Auto Components
TVS Motor Company Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Varroc Engineering Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Wabco India Ltd Auto and Auto Components
Dixon Technologies (India) Limited Electronics and IT hardware
Britannia Industries Ltd Food Processing
Dabur India Limited Food Processing
Foods and Inns Ltd Food Processing
Hatsun Agro Product Ltd Food Processing
Hindustan Unilever Limited Food Processing
ITC Limited Food Processing
KRBL Ltd Food Processing
LT Foods Limited Food Processing
Marico Ltd Food Processing
Nestle India Ltd Food Processing
Parag Milk Foods Limited Food Processing
Prataap Snacks Limited Food Processing
Tasty Bite Eatables Limited Food Processing
Tata Consumer Products Limited Food Processing
Vadilal industries Ltd Food Processing
Varun Beverages Ltd Food Processing
Zydus Wellness Limited Food Processing
Poly Medicure Ltd Medical Devices
Aarti Specialty Chemicals Limited Pharmaceuticals Phase 1
Sadhna Nitro Chem Limited Pharmaceuticals Phase 1
Surya Life Sciences Ltd Pharmaceuticals Phase 1
Aarti Industries Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Aurobindo Pharma Ltd Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Bal Pharma Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Biocon Ltd Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Cadila Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Cipla Ltd Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Dr Reddy’s Lab Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Lupin Ltd Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Natco Pharma Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Neogen Chemicals Ltd Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Panacea Biotec Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Strides Pharma Science Ltd Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Limited Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
Venus Remedies Pharmaceuticals Phase 2
ITI Limited Telecom & Networking Products
Tejas networks Limited Telecom & Networking Products
Arvind Limited Textiles & Apparels- Edition 1
AYM Syntex Limited Textiles & Apparels- Edition 1
Donear Industries Ltd. Textiles & Apparels- Edition 1
Ginni Filaments Limited Textiles & Apparels- Edition 1
Gokaldas Exports Limited Textiles & Apparels- Edition 1
Himatsingka Seide Limited Textiles & Apparels- Edition 1
K G Denim Limited Textiles & Apparels- Edition 1
Monte Carlo Fashions Limited Textiles & Apparels- Edition 1
Pearl Global Industries Limited Textiles & Apparels- Edition 1
Sangam (India) Limited Textiles & Apparels- Edition 1
SVP Global Textiles Limited Textiles & Apparels- Edition 1
Trident Limited Textiles & Apparels- Edition 1
Amber Enterprises India Limited White Goods- Tranche 1
Calcom Vision Ltd White Goods- Tranche 1
Cosmo Flims Limited White Goods- Tranche 1
Havells India Limited White Goods- Tranche 1
Hindalco Industries Ltd White Goods- Tranche 1
IFB Industries Limited White Goods- Tranche 1
Johnson Controls Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd White Goods- Tranche 1
Orient Electric Limited White Goods- Tranche 1
PG Technoplast Private Limited White Goods- Tranche 1
Stovekraft Limited White Goods- Tranche 1
Surya Roshni Limited White Goods- Tranche 1
Voltas Ltd White Goods- Tranche 1
Crompton Greaves Electrical limited White Goods- Tranche 2
Jindal polyfilms Limited White Goods- Tranche 2