Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasises government efforts to expand electronics manufacturing, aiming to double production and employment in five years, alongside implementing the DPDP Act.
India’s electrical manufacturing industry is poised for significant growth, with expectations of doubling its current value within the next five years. Currently valued at approximately USD 125-130 billion, the sector is targeted to expand to around USD 250 billion, driven by government initiatives to foster economic growth and create employment opportunities.
The government’s primary objective is to enhance employment in the sector, with plans to increase jobs from 25 lakh to about 50 lakh within the same timeframe. This ambitious growth strategy aligns with broader efforts to bolster India’s manufacturing capabilities, particularly in electronics, components, and semiconductors.
Despite the notification of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act in August last year, its operationalization has been delayed pending the finalisation of rules. The DPDP Act 2023, following the Supreme Court’s recognition of the ‘Right to Privacy’ as a fundamental suitable six years ago, aims to safeguard individuals’ data from misuse by online platforms. The implementation process emphasises a ‘digital-by-design’ principle, actively developed by government bodies such as the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and Digital India Corporation (DIC).
The legislation proposes stringent penalties of up to ₹250 crore for entities found guilty of mishandling or failing to protect digital data, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ privacy rights in the digital age.
Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that drafting DPDP rules is in an advanced stage, following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders. Despite minor delays due to the recent Lok Sabha elections, Vaishnaw assured that the regulatory framework for electronics manufacturing will remain on track. He expressed confidence in achieving the government’s targets, including doubling employment to 50 lakh and increasing total production to $200-300 billion by the end of the current term.
Vaishnaw highlighted ongoing collaborations with major players like Micron and Tata Group to establish semiconductor manufacturing plants in India. He emphasised the government’s commitment to maintaining regulatory continuity and fostering a conducive environment for industry growth.
Looking ahead, Vaishnaw stressed the importance of a consultative approach in finalising the DPDP rules, ensuring that they meet industry needs while upholding data privacy standards. He expressed optimism about India’s potential to exceed current growth projections once further consultations with industry leaders are conducted.
