MAY, 20259UNION POWER MINISTER URGES STATES TO ROLL OUT SMART METERS FASTERINDUSTRY 4.0 EMERGES AS THE FUTURE OF SMART MANUFACTURING Union Power Minister Manohar Lal has urged state governments to fast-track the installation of prepaid smart meters in government buildings and residential colonies. Speaking at a power conference in Gangtok with Northeastern states, he stressed that these meters would help improve revenue collection and cut losses in the power sector, making it more efficient.At the conference, Lal shared how India's power generation has grown since 2014, with big gains in coal, hydro, nuclear, and green energy. He encouraged power companies to keep expanding but also to think about the environment as India works toward its net-zero emissions goal. Smart meters, he explained, are a practical solution that track electricity use accurately, helping power companies avoid losses and manage funds better.The government is backing this effort through programs like the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and PM-JANMAN, which aim to fix power distribution issues and bring electricity to far-off homes. Lal believes starting with government buildings will show everyone how well smart meters work, encouraging more people to use them.But it's not all smooth sailing. In Karnataka, some politicians are upset, claiming the process to buy smart meters was shady and overpriced. They say the state ignored transparency rules, and the meters there cost more than elsewhere. Even so, the central government is offering financial help to states to keep the project moving.Lal stressed that states and the central government need to work together to sort out these issues. With India focused on building a stronger, greener power system, smart meters are a big part of making that happen while keeping costs in check. TOP STORIESMAY, 20259India's electronics production industry is entering a significant new stage. Dixon Technologies has announced its entry into the manufacturing of electronic components, marking a significant milestone for both the company and the wider "Make in India" movement. Initially, Dixon will manufacture components for captive requirements and later expand to global markets."We have already rolled out a project for display modules. We are evaluating various other component categories like camera modules, mechanical enclosures and also lithium ion batteries. So we are seriously evaluating and we will be deeply participating in ECMS," said Dixon CEO Atul Lal.In parallel, Tata Electronics is reportedly planning a 2,000 crore investment under the government's 23,000 crore electronics components manufacturing scheme (ECMS). While Tata Electronics declined to comment, the move signals strong momentum for electronics manufacturing services (EMS) in India.The government's ECMS initiative, with an outlay of 22,919 crore, is expected to create 91,600 direct jobs and attract 59,350 crore investment. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that only companies with a design house and six sigma quality standards would qualify for incentives."We are going to be internally discussing this," Lal added, supporting the government's focus on quality.ELCINA President Atul Lal, IESA President Ashok Chandak, and ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo are the industry leaders who supported the initiative, claiming it will improve value addition and ensure long-term sustainability for India's rapidly expanding electronics sector.
< Page 8 | Page 10 >