New Delhi, March 30 The government may stop disbursing funds under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) if beneficiaries do not invest in product design technology and meet Six Sigma standards, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday.
After granting approvals to 29 proposals under ECMS involving a fresh investment of Rs 7,104 crore, the minister warned of weeding out those beneficiaries who do not invest in product design technology.
"I am willing to stop any further disbursements or approvals if the industry does not come up with commensurate efforts," Vaishnaw said.
The minister pulled up industry body ICEA (India Cellular and Electronics Association) and its member firms for not adhering to the integrated approach set by Meity to boost high-quality and self-reliant electronics manufacturing.
"Over time, those who do not invest in design will be weeded out. We will ensure that they are weeded out. I am saying this very bluntly and very openly because this is very important for our nation, and we in our party, always believe that the nation comes first," Vaishnaw said.
He said the country needs to focus on electronics design, component design, and machine design.
The minister has given a 15-day deadline to the industry to update the government on the steps taken by the players in response to the government's key demands, which are product design, Six Sigma standards, talent development, and local sourcing.
Six Sigma is a methodology aimed at minimizing defects and ensuring near-perfect output.
Vaishnaw said that all 75 applications approved so far under ECMS will have to share their plans within 15 days.
