Govt extends telecom PLI Scheme by a year, ups Incentive by Rs 4,000 cr

Current Context: Government has extended the productivity-linked incentive scheme for the telecom industry by another year and has expanded its scope to cover design-led manufacturing.

• The Centre will provide additional incentives of over Rs 4,000 crore under the amended productivity-linked scheme.
• This decision has been taken after considering the complaints of stiff incremental and production targets for the first year 2021-22 from the stakeholders.
• The main objective is to recognize and encourage R&D-driven manufacturing in the country to enhance its contribution to the global value chain.
• Besides, the scheme is open to both MSME and non-MSME companies, including domestic and global companies.
• The scheme specifies a minimum investment threshold of Rs 10 crore for MSME and Rs 100 crore for non-MSME applicants. Land and building costs will not be counted as investments.
• Apart from that the allocation for MSME has been enhanced from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 2,500 crore.
• In a matter of shortlisting applications from design-led manufacturers shall be prioritized over other manufacturers.

Question:

Q.1 Recently center has decided to provide additional incentives of _______crore under the amended productivity-linked scheme.
a. 5000 crore
b. 3000 crore
c. 4000 crore
d. 6000 crore