Centre reopens PLI Scheme application window for white goods till October 14

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025

The government has reopened the application window for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods, covering air conditioners and LED lights, in response to renewed industry interest and growing market demand. The window will remain open from September 15 to October 14, 2025, on the official portal https://pliwg.dpiit.gov.in.

The move comes amid increasing confidence in domestic manufacturing of key components under the PLI for White Goods (PLI-WG) Scheme. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said the re-opening would allow both new applicants and existing beneficiaries seeking to scale up investments or switch to higher target segments to apply, subject to eligibility norms laid out in the Scheme Guidelines.

“The extension reflects the strong appetite of the industry to invest more under the scheme,” an official statement noted, highlighting that the initiative is spurring local production of components that were earlier imported.

The Centre clarified that approvals under this fourth round will be subject to the Scheme’s tenure. New applicants will be eligible for incentives for a maximum of two years, while existing beneficiaries shifting to higher investment categories may qualify for one to two years of benefits, depending on their grouping. Flexibility to submit claims under the original investment plan will be allowed once during the scheme period if thresholds are not met.

Since its launch in April 2021, the PLI Scheme for White Goods has already attracted 83 beneficiaries with committed investments of ₹10,406 crore. These investments are expected to build a robust component manufacturing ecosystem for ACs and LED lights, including several items not previously produced in India in adequate volumes.

Approved by the Union Cabinet with an outlay of ₹6,238 crore, the PLI-WG Scheme is being implemented over seven years, from FY 2021-22 to FY 2028-29. It forms part of the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing, creating jobs, and reducing import dependence in critical sectors.

Industry stakeholders say the reopening of the application window will further accelerate India’s ambition to become a global hub for electronics and white goods manufacturing.