Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners and LED Lights)

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods, covering Air Conditioners and LED Lights, is administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It is designed to strengthen domestic manufacturing, cut import dependence, and build a resilient local supply chain for key components and sub-assemblies in these two product categories. Financial incentives are offered to encourage companies to establish or expand manufacturing operations in India.

The scheme targets firms making substantial investments in either brownfield or greenfield facilities. Eligible items include AC components such as compressors, copper tubes, heat exchangers, motors, and control assemblies, as well as LED parts like chips and packaging, drivers, and light-management systems. The objective is to raise domestic value addition from roughly 15-20% to a target of 75-80%, which is expected to boost self-reliance and generate employment.

The scheme runs from FY 2021-22 through FY 2028-29.

- **Step 01:** Go to the DPIIT’s official website and create an account on the PLI-WG Online Portal. Registration typically requires basic company details. - **Step 02:** Fill out the full online application form, making sure every required field is correct. Attach the supporting documents, which generally include financial statements, investment plans, production forecasts, and company registration papers. Pay the application fee as part of the submission. - **Step 03:** The competent authority will review your application. This includes checking the information against the scheme’s guidelines, evaluating the proposed investments, and verifying the projected incremental sales. Approval follows only if all the strict criteria are satisfied. - **Step 04:** Once approved, you must follow all compliance procedures and guidelines for the duration of the scheme to remain eligible for incentive payouts. This involves submitting regular reports on production, sales, and investments.

The designated committee, which includes experts from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and associated organisations, examines each application. Assessment centres on the proposed investment, expected incremental sales, and the applicant's ability to support domestic value addition in AC and LED component manufacturing. Meeting the financial and operational criteria specified in the scheme guidelines is essential.

Shortlisting can occur over several evaluation rounds, with final approval granted by the competent authority to the most suitable and compliant proposals. This procedure ensures that only manufacturers capable of advancing the scheme's goals receive incentives.