Government reopens PLI scheme for white goods

The government has reopened the 30-day PLI scheme window for white goods (ACs and LED lights) from September 15 to October 14, allowing new and existing applicants to invest further. The scheme is planned for a seven-year implementation period, spanning FY 2021-22 to FY 2028-29, with a total outlay of ₹6,238 crore.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced the reopening of the 30-day application window for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods, including air conditioners and LED lights. The window will remain open from September 15 to October 14, (both dates inclusive) on the on-line portal having URL as https://pliwg.dpiit.gov.in/.  

No application shall be accepted after the closure of the application window.  

The ministry stated that the decision to reopen the scheme comes in response to strong industry interest in making further investments under the initiative. The Union Cabinet had originally approved the ₹6,238 crore scheme on April 7, 2021, to be implemented over a seven-year period until 2028-29. To date, 83 applicants, with committed investments totaling ₹10,406 crore, have been selected as beneficiaries.

To ensure equitable participation, both new applicants and existing beneficiaries wishing to increase their investments—either by moving to a higher target segment or through their group companies under a different segment—are eligible to apply, subject to certain conditions.

Incentives under the scheme will be available only for the remaining duration of the program. 

Applicants approved in the proposed fourth round will be eligible for PLI for a maximum of two years in the case of new applicants and beneficiaries opting for GP-2 (up to March 2023) who wish to move to a higher investment category. Beneficiaries under GP-1 (up to March 2022) seeking to upgrade their investment category in the fourth round will be eligible for PLI for one year only. Existing beneficiaries who are unable to meet the threshold investment or sales in a given year may submit claims according to their original investment plan. This flexibility will be allowed only once during the scheme’s tenure.

These investments are expected to enable the manufacturing of air conditioner and LED light components across the entire value chain, including components that are currently not produced in sufficient quantities in India.