Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS): Boosting India’s Self-Reliance in High-Tech Manufacturing

The Government of India has approved the first batch of projects worth over ₹5,500 crore under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) — a transformative step in India’s journey toward “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in the electronics sector.

The scheme, launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), aims to build a robust ecosystem for electronic components and material manufacturing, reducing import dependency and strengthening India’s position as a trusted global electronics hub.

What is the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)?

The ECMS is a key initiative under India’s broader National Policy on Electronics (NPE) 2019, which envisions a $300 billion electronics manufacturing industry by 2026.

The scheme supports companies in establishing manufacturing units for critical electronic components, modules, and materials that form the foundation of modern devices such as smartphones, laptops, EVs, telecom equipment, and renewable energy systems.

Primary Objectives of ECMS:

• To promote domestic manufacturing of key electronic components and materials.

• To reduce import dependency and increase India’s share in the global electronics supply chain.

• To create high-skill employment and strengthen local R&D capacity.

• To complement other flagship schemes like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) and the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).

First Batch of ECMS Projects Approved

In October 2025, the Government approved the first batch of seven ECMS projects with a combined investment of ₹5,532 crore. These projects are expected to produce components worth ₹36,559 crore and create over 5,100 direct jobs.

State-Wise Distribution:

• Tamil Nadu: 5 projects

• Andhra Pradesh: 1 project

• Madhya Pradesh: 1 project

This distribution reinforces regional balance by expanding high-tech manufacturing hubs beyond traditional metros.

Key Components to be Manufactured Under ECMS

The approved projects will focus on the manufacturing of advanced electronic components and materials including:

1. High-Density Interconnect (HDI) PCBs:
   These are multi-layer printed circuit boards used in smartphones, laptops, EVs, and industrial systems.

2. Multi-Layer PCBs:
   The foundation of most modern electronic devices, ensuring faster connectivity and signal transmission.

3. Camera Modules:
   Essential imaging components for smartphones, drones, automotive sensors, and medical equipment.

4. Copper Clad Laminates (CCLs):
   A vital raw material used in PCB manufacturing — this marks India’s first-ever domestic CCL manufacturing facility.

5. Polypropylene Films:
   A key component used in capacitors, crucial for consumer electronics, ICT equipment, EVs, and renewable energy devices.

Bridging the Demand–Supply Gap

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that these projects will meet a significant portion of India’s domestic demand for key electronic components:

• 100% of Copper Clad Laminate demand

• 20% of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) demand

• 15% of Camera Module sub-assembly demand

Additionally, around 60% of the total production from these facilities will be exported, boosting India’s global manufacturing competitiveness.

Strategic Significance

1. Reducing Import Dependence

Currently, a large portion of India’s electronics imports comprises components and raw materials, primarily from China, Taiwan, and South Korea.
The ECMS will reduce this dependency by building indigenous capacity across the electronics value chain.

2. Strengthening Supply Chains

By focusing on the base materials — such as laminates, films, and sub-components — India will create trusted and resilient supply chains critical for sectors like defence, telecom, EVs, and renewable energy.

3. Economic and Industrial Impact

• ₹36,500 crore worth of domestic component production

• Over 5,000 direct high-skill jobs in manufacturing and R&D

• Lower costs of electronic devices in the domestic market

• Encouragement for MSMEs and startups to participate in component innovation

Integration with India’s Electronics Ecosystem

The ECMS complements other government schemes, ensuring a seamless value chain from raw materials to final products:

Together, these initiatives aim to transform India into a “product nation” — capable of designing, manufacturing, and exporting end-to-end electronic equipment.

Broader Economic Vision

The ECMS aligns with India’s Make in India and Digital India initiatives, promoting:

• Import substitution of high-value components

• Export-led growth through global partnerships

• Green electronics manufacturing supporting the EV and renewable sectors

• Regional economic inclusion, particularly in Southern and Central India

The scheme will also help India meet its climate and sustainability targets, as domestic production reduces the carbon footprint of long-distance imports.

Conclusion

The Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) marks a strategic leap forward in India’s electronics revolution. By focusing on component and material manufacturing — the foundation of all electronic devices — India is moving beyond assembly lines toward core industrial capability.

With ₹5,500 crore in initial investments, ₹36,500 crore in projected output, and over 5,000 new jobs, ECMS will not only boost India’s manufacturing competitiveness but also position the country as a trusted global hub for advanced electronics and supply chain resilience.

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