New Delhi, Oct 29 (PTI) The Ministry of Electronics andIT is mulling to expand phased manufacturing programme, aimedat increasing use of locally-produced electronic components inmobile phones, to other product segments as well.
"Phased manufacturing programme (PMP) at present is meantto promote use of locally made components in mobile phones.
MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and IT) is exploring to expandit to other segments as well," an official source told PTI.
The move is in line with the government's target to havenet zero import of electronics by 2020 under Digital Indiaprogramme.
The total import of electronic and communication itemsstood at USD 37.2 billion in 2015-16 (up to February), out ofwhich USD 20 billion worth of products were imported fromChina.
MeitY had notified PMP in May this year to encouragemanufacturing of mobile components in the country.
The notified PMP covers mechanics, die cut parts,microphone and receiver, key pad and USB cable in the currentfinancial year.
It also aims to promote the indigenous manufacturing ofpopulated printed circuit boards, camera modules andconnectors in 2018-19, and display assembly, touch panels,vibrator motor and ringer in 2019-20.
"Work is on to identify components which can be broughtunder PMP in compliance to WTO (World Trade Organisation)rules. With advancement in technologies there are manycomponents that may not fall under purview of agreementssigned by India which mandates duty free import of IT productsand their parts," the source said.
With the government's push, mobile phone manufacturinghas increased in India. From around 2-3 players in 2014, thereare around 105 companies that are involved in mobilemanufacturing in India. PTI PRS BALABM.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.