Centre invites applications from drone industry for Rs 120 crore PLI scheme

The PLI scheme for drones was notified on 30th September 2021.

New Delhi: The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Friday announced that the government has invited applications from the drone industry for the Rs 120 crore production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.

The PLI scheme, which was notified on 30th September 2021, seeks to provide a total incentive of Rs 120 crore for the manufacturing of drones in India over the next three financial years. The incentives offered under the scheme is nearly double the combined turnover of all domestic drone manufacturers in the financial year 2020-21.

The PLI rate is 20 per cent of the value addition, one of the highest among PLI schemes. The value addition shall be calculated as the annual sales revenue from drones and drone components (net of GST) minus the purchase cost (net of GST) of drone and drone components. 

PLI rate has been kept constant at 20 per cent for all three years, exceptional treatment for drones.As per the scheme, the minimum value addition norm is at 40 per cent of net sales for drones and drone components instead of 50 per cent, exceptional treatment for drones. 

The eligibility norm for MSME and startups is at nominal levels.Coverage of the scheme includes developers of drone-related software also. PLI for a manufacturer shall be capped at 25 per cent of the total annual outlay. This will allow widening the number of beneficiaries, the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.

In case a manufacturer fails to meet the threshold for the eligible value addition for a particular financial year, she will be allowed to claim the lost incentive in the subsequent year if she makes up the shortfall in the subsequent year.

The application form is of one page only, along with the certificate from the head of organisation and the statutory auditor. More than one company within a Group of Companies may file separate applications under this PLI scheme and the same shall be evaluated independently. Also Read: Apple iPhone 13 Mini selling at iPhone SE 2022 price: Check offer details before pre-booking phone

However, the total PLI payable to such applicants shall be capped at 25 per cent of the total financial outlay under this PLI scheme. The deadline for submission of the application form is 31st March 2022, the ministry said. Also Read: Russia-Ukraine War: Google to send air raid alerts to Android users in Ukraine