Regional Performance of India’s Electronic Industry and Manufacturing Sector in India

Electronic technology and the Electronic Industry have strong potential to improve living standards through industrial modernization, employment generation, and sustained economic growth in India. Owing to their flexibility and wide applicability, electronic technologies are well suited to addressing socio-economic challenges. Recognized as a ＂sunrise sector＂ since the Sixth and Seventh Five-Year Plans, the industry received policy support through de-licensing, modernization, capacity expansion, and export promotion. This study examines the growth and performance of India’s Electronic Industry and Electronic Products Industry during 1975-76 to 2007-08, focusing on production, employment, capital formation, and productivity, with emphasis on the impact of the 1991 economic liberalization. Using secondary data and statistical techniques, the study finds steady long-term growth but a post-liberalization slowdown in productivity due to import dependence and increased competition, highlighting the need for stronger domestic manufacturing and effective policy implementation.