Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 1st Jan. Bharat’s electronics sector is experiencing a monumental transformation, driven by the government’s visionary initiatives like Make in India, the National Electronics Policy, and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes. According to recent projections, the sector is expected to generate a staggering 12 million jobs—3 million direct roles and 9 million indirect roles—in the coming years. This remarkable growth is not only reshaping the nation’s manufacturing landscape but also positioning Bharat as a global hub for electronics production, exports, and innovation.
The journey of the past decade has been extraordinary, reflecting the sector’s exponential rise in production, exports, and employment opportunities. From mobile phone manufacturing to semiconductor advancements, the electronics industry is now a cornerstone of Bharat’s economic resurgence, aligning with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Transformative Impact of Make in India
Over the past 10 years, the Make in India initiative has profoundly impacted Bharat’s electronics industry. From a modest production base of ₹1.9 lakh crore in 2014-15, electronics manufacturing has surged to an impressive ₹9.52 lakh crore in 2023. This growth represents not only a fivefold increase in output but also a testament to Bharat’s commitment to fostering self-reliance in critical sectors.
One of the standout achievements has been in mobile phone manufacturing. Once heavily reliant on imports, Bharat now produces nearly all the mobile phones it consumes, with 99.2% of devices sold in the country being Made in India. Annual production has reached 325 to 330 million units, and exports have skyrocketed from a mere ₹1,566 crore in 2014-15 to ₹1,20,000 crore in 2023. This shift not only reflects the success of domestic manufacturing but also underscores Bharat’s growing influence in global value chains.
Job Creation: A Catalyst for Economic Growth
The electronics sector’s ability to create 12 million jobs is a critical development for Bharat, addressing the dual challenges of unemployment and skill development. Of the 3 million direct jobs, nearly 1 million are expected to cater to engineers, 2 million to ITI-certified professionals, and approximately 0.2 million to specialists in cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and data science. Non-technical roles will contribute another 9 million indirect jobs, further boosting economic activity across various sectors.
These opportunities are not just concentrated in urban centers but are also reaching semi-urban and rural areas, thanks to the widespread establishment of manufacturing hubs and clusters. The integration of Work-Integrated Learning Programs (WILP) and degree apprenticeships with academia has further enhanced employability, ensuring that Bharat’s workforce is prepared for the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.
Ambitious Goals for 2030: A $500 Billion Industry
The electronics sector is targeting $500 billion in manufacturing output by 2030, an ambitious goal requiring a fivefold increase in production. With domestic production currently at $101 billion, bridging this $400 billion gap will necessitate significant investments in capacity building, research and development, and ecosystem development.
Mobile phones remain the largest contributor, accounting for 43% of the sector’s output, followed by consumer and industrial electronics at 12% each and electronic components at 11%. Emerging segments like auto electronics (8%), LED lighting (3%), wearables and hearables (1%), and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) (1%) present substantial growth potential, further diversifying the sector’s portfolio.
However, achieving this target will require Bharat to go beyond final assembly processes and expand its participation in global value chains, currently at a modest 4%. By focusing on design, component manufacturing, and innovation, Bharat can solidify its position as a global leader in electronics.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While the sector’s growth trajectory is promising, challenges persist. One significant hurdle is the underutilization of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), which currently operate at just 51% enrollment. Addressing this gap will be crucial for creating a skilled workforce capable of meeting the industry’s demands. Employers must also invest in in-house training centers and collaborate with educational institutions to bridge the skill gap.
Another challenge lies in expanding Bharat’s manufacturing base to include high-value components and semiconductors. Although the PLI schemes have provided significant incentives for electronics manufacturing, achieving self-reliance in critical technologies like semiconductors remains a work in progress. Recent efforts to attract semiconductor manufacturing investments have been encouraging, but sustained momentum is needed to ensure long-term success.
The Role of Policy and Innovation
The success of the electronics sector is a direct result of supportive government policies and private sector collaboration. The National Electronics Policy, PLI schemes, and Digital India initiative have collectively created an enabling environment for investment and innovation. These policies have not only incentivized production but also fostered a culture of research and development, ensuring that Bharat remains competitive on the global stage.
Innovation will be a key driver of future growth. Emerging technologies like 5G, AI, and IoT (Internet of Things) are expected to play a transformative role in shaping the industry’s future. By prioritizing these technologies and building robust ecosystems around them, Bharat can unlock new avenues for growth and employment.
A Sector of Strategic Importance
The electronics sector is more than just an economic success story; it is a strategic pillar of Bharat’s aspirations for self-reliance and global leadership. The creation of 12 million jobs underscores its potential to uplift millions of families, reduce income inequality, and accelerate Bharat’s transition to a knowledge-driven economy. However, sustaining this growth will require consistent policy support, private sector participation, and a commitment to skill development.
Bharat’s journey from an import-dependent electronics market to a global manufacturing hub is a testament to what can be achieved through visionary leadership and collective effort. The sector’s success serves as a blueprint for other industries, showcasing the transformative power of initiatives like Make in India.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
As Bharat’s electronics sector continues to grow, it is not only generating jobs but also redefining the country’s position in the global economy. The ambitious target of $500 billion in manufacturing output by 2030 is a reflection of the sector’s immense potential and the confidence placed in its capabilities.
The journey ahead will not be without challenges, but the foundations laid over the past decade provide a strong platform for sustained growth. By addressing skill gaps, investing in innovation, and expanding its presence in global value chains, Bharat’s electronics sector can achieve unparalleled success, transforming the nation into a global leader in electronics manufacturing and innovation.
Bharat stands on the brink of an electronics revolution—one that promises jobs, growth, and self-reliance. With the right mix of policy, innovation, and collaboration, the future of Bharat’s electronics sector is undeniably bright.
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