What is meant by 'Industrial Revolution 4·0' ? Assess the likely impact of the fourth industrial revolution on India's manufacturing sector. Provide a brief note on the 'Production-Linked Incentive' (PLI) schemes in India.
In short
Industry 4.0 is the digitisation and automation of manufacturing through IoT, AI, cloud computing and cyber-physical systems, which can raise Indian productivity but strains MSMEs lacking digital infrastructure and skills. The PLI scheme, with Rs 1.97 lakh crore across 14 sectors, has created over 12.6 lakh jobs.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 298 words
Industry 4.0 Scope
Technologies like IoT, AI, cloud computing, and cyber-physical systems enable smart factories optimizing real-time production.
Government Initiatives
SAMARTH Udyog Bharat 4.0 and the ₹1.97 lakh crore4 PLI scheme target 14 sectors, including electronics and pharmaceuticals, attracting ₹1.61 lakh crore investments nationally by 2024.
Andhra Pradesh’s Role
The Visakhapatnam-Chennai industrial corridor and port-led industrialization provide a strong base for Industry 4.0 and PLI benefits.
Capacity Building
PLI fosters large-scale manufacturing infrastructure essential for Industry 4.0 adoption.
Technology Barriers
Many MSMEs lack digital infrastructure and skilled workforce, limiting Industry 4.0 scalability.
PLI Outcomes
The scheme created over 12.6 lakh jobs and boosted electronics production by 146% from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
Regional Disparities
Andhra Pradesh’s 9.24% GSDP growth vs 6.4% national average shows uneven but promising regional uptake.
MSME Digitalisation
Targeted support for MSMEs to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies is crucial.
Skill Development
Expand reskilling aligned with Industry 4.0 demands.
Infrastructure
Develop industrial corridors and digital connectivity, especially in Andhra Pradesh’s port zones.
Inclusive Growth
Design PLI policies to promote sustainability and equitable regional development.
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Industrial Development and Policy (India)12 questions
Asked in 5 of 8 sittings since 2008
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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2023 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.