New Delhi: Thirteen companies have submitted applications under the 4th round of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods, which covers Air Conditioners (ACs) and LED Lights, with a total committed investment of Rs. 1,914 crore. The application window for this round was open from 15 September 2025 to 10 November 2025, according to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
MSMEs Take the Lead
Over 50 per cent of the new applicants are Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), reflecting growing confidence in India’s manufacturing ecosystem. The participation of smaller players indicates a significant shift toward inclusive industrial growth, with MSMEs now actively entering the high-value AC and LED component value chain.
Focus on High-Value Components
Among the 13 applicants, one is an existing beneficiary under the PLI Scheme, committing an additional investment of Rs. 15 crore.
- Air Conditioner Components: Nine applicants, representing 75 per cent of total submissions, plan to manufacture AC components with a combined investment of Rs. 1,816 crore. These components include copper tubes, aluminium stock, compressors, motors, heat exchangers, and control assemblies, which are critical to enhancing domestic production capabilities.
- LED Components: The remaining four applicants propose Rs. 98 crore in investments for LED component manufacturing, covering LED chips, drivers, and heat sinks.
The proposed investments span six states, 13 districts, and 23 locations, contributing to regional industrial development and employment opportunities.
PLI Scheme Driving Growth and Jobs
Since its inception, the PLI Scheme for White Goods has attracted Rs. 10,335 crore of committed investment from 80 approved beneficiaries. The initiative is projected to generate production worth Rs. 1.72 lakh crore and create around 60,000 direct jobs across India.
Approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7 April 2021, the scheme has a total outlay of Rs. 6,238 crore. Its objective is to establish a complete domestic component ecosystem for ACs and LED lights, increasing domestic value addition from 15–20 per cent to 75–80 per cent, thereby positioning India as a global manufacturing hub for white goods.
Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing
The latest round reflects a growing trend of MSME participation in strategic manufacturing sectors, highlighting confidence in India’s industrial policies and infrastructure. By focusing on high-value components, the scheme not only boosts local production but also reduces dependency on imports and strengthens the country’s global supply chain capabilities.
Read also: MSME Sector Urges Government for Enhanced Technology Fund, Easier Credit Ahead of Budget 2026-27
