Solar Industry Associations were assured of BCDs implementation on schedule by Finance Minister
During a meeting with solar industry associations, Finance Minister Sitharaman promised to implement BCD on solar modules by April 2022. The associations have also requested that a statement be included in the upcoming union budget
Shri Nirmala Sitharaman, Finance Minister, GoI, assured the delegation from North India Module Manufacturers Association (NIMMA), Indian Solar Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and Indian Solar Industries Association (AISIA) that the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) will be implemented at the expected time, beginning on 1st April 2022.
The meeting between the Finance Minister and the officials from the solar manufacturers association was held on 6th of January in the Ministry of Finance, North Block, Delhi under the leadership of Shri Ramcharan Bohra, MP – Jaipur City.
In the meeting, the delegation expressed concerns about manufacturing units nearing closure due to the current duty-free status of solar cells and panels imported from China and other countries.
The group also appealed to the finance minister for the exemption of import duties currently levied on modules and cell line machinery.
NIMMA President Manish Gupta stated that the meeting with the minister was positive indicating that the finance minister acknowledged the need for policy assistance to grow and achieve the industry’s full potential.
Gupta commented further, “The implementation of BCD will be a relief to domestic manufacturers. Hopefully, additional measures will be considered in order to address supply-chain gaps.”
This is the peak time for developers to purchase modules, and he urged them to promote the governments Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission and install Indian modules, he added further.
Bharat Bhut, co-founder and director of Goldi Solar, a leading Indian solar module manufacturer, said, “We appreciate the government’s move to implement BCD on schedule. It is a boon for Indian module manufacturers who have been facing stiff price competition from imported modules.”
Bharat Bhut noted further that Goldi Solar’s module manufacturing capacity has also been increased to 2.5 GW and will be increased to 5 GW to align with India’s vision of becoming energy-independent with Made in India modules.
As part of the delegation, Mr. Manish Gupta was joined by Mr. Vineet Mittal, Mr. Aprit Agarwal, Mr. Manish Agarwal and Mr. Sandeep Gupta.
The North India Module Manufacturers Association (NIMMA) was formed in October 2017 to promote and represent the interests of small and medium solar PV module manufacturers in India.
In addition to developing, promoting, and improving its members’ product and manufacturing standards, NIMMA represents its members’ concerns to the appropriate authorities.
Moreover, the Association provides a nodal platform for the development and process of scientific and economic research in the development and manufacturing of solar PV modules.
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