Electronics Industry Called to Share Data for Better Policy Making: Meity

The government is urging the electronics industry to share production statistics to aid in policy formulation, according to a Meity official. Although the government has access to import and export data, it lacks detailed production figures. This information is crucial for accurate policy-making.

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At an event organised by CII in collaboration with ICEA on building a resilient supply chain for the electronics and semiconductor industry, Meity Scientists G and Group Coordinator Asha Nangia emphasised the need for industry cooperation. "We don't have any kinds of production data. That's very important. When we formulate policy, we need to know how much we are producing and what we are producing. So that we actually know the exact figure. We have DGIS, where we can get import data and export data. Industry has to support the government by sharing the data," Nangia said.

Mobile Phone Production Growth

According to ICEA, mobile phone production in India has surged significantly. From Rs 18,900 crore in 2014-15, it reached Rs 3,50,000 crore in 2022-23. Similarly, mobile phone exports have seen a remarkable increase from Rs 1,566 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 90,000 crore in 2022-23.

Nangia highlighted that the Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity) has been promoting various types of manufacturing based on available information. "Now, we are discussing a new scheme to support manufacturing of electronic components in the country," she added.

Need for a Resilient Supply Chain

Nangia also pointed out that not all electronic components are produced domestically, nor will they be in the future. However, developing a resilient supply chain is essential to safeguard the manufacturing ecosystem against disruptions like wars, pandemics, or geopolitical issues.

The government has been sharing electronics production data based on estimates from industry bodies such as the India Electronics and Cellular Association (ICEA). However, precise production data from the industry itself is still needed for more effective policy-making.

In conclusion, while the government can access import and export data through DGIS, collaboration with the electronics industry is vital for obtaining accurate production statistics. This cooperation will help formulate better policies and support the growth of India's electronics manufacturing sector.