Source : PTI | The reopening of the application window for companies operating under the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme within the automobile sector is not part of the current agenda, as conveyed during a parliamentary session on Friday.
In a meticulously worded written response directed to the esteemed Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Krishan Pal Gurjar, disclosed that the ministry is steadfastly overseeing the execution of two distinct PLI initiatives, namely those encompassing the automobile and auto components sector, as well as the advanced chemistry cell (ACC) battery storage sector.Gurjar’s statement provided succinct clarity, indicating that there are no intentions to initiate the reactivation of the application window within the PLI auto scheme. Pertaining to the PLI ACC category, an intriguing insight was offered – a total of 50 GWh ACC manufacturing capacity had been allocated to four successful bidders back in March 2022 through the request for proposal (RFP) and competitive bidding process.
“In PLI auto, there is no plan to reopen the application window. As regards PLI ACC, a total (of) 50 GWh ACC manufacturing was allocated to four successful bidders in March 2022 through RFP/ bidding process,” he said.
The narrative took a turn when it was revealed that one of the previously awarded bidders had been disqualified due to non-compliance with the stipulated terms and conditions of the RFP and bid documentation. This disqualification consequently left 20 GWh of ACC manufacturing capacity unclaimed and available.
In response to this unprecedented situation, the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) stepped in with a definitive recommendation. The group advocated for the reassignment of the vacant 20 GWh ACC manufacturing capacity through a fresh and transparent bidding process.
To streamline the operation of the PLI auto scheme, the ministry has proactively issued a standard operating procedure (SoP). This procedure, denoted as a SoP, functions as a framework to systematically manage and process the claims associated with incentives under the PLI auto scheme.
In sum, the communication delivered by Minister Krishan Pal Gurjar provided insights into the stance of the ministry regarding the PLI schemes, unequivocally outlining the absence of plans to reopen the application window for the PLI auto scheme, while also shedding light on the intriguing developments within the PLI ACC domain.
