Propelling Bharat to become Semicon Hub for the world

By OEM Update Editorial March 14, 2024 12:43 pm IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three semiconductor plants worth over Rs 1.25 lakh crore, marking Bharat’s ambition to become a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing. These projects signify a significant leap in technological advancement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for three semiconductor plants worth over Rs 1.25 lakh crore. The proposed investments, which received cabinet approval on February 29 this year, include the Tata-PSMC chip foundry at Rs 91,000 crore, the Tata OSAT facility at Rs 27,000 crore, and the CG Power-Renesas at Rs 7,600 crore. These projects, situated in Dholera and Sanand in Gujarat, and Morigaon in Assam, signify Bharat’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing.

In his address at the conference, Prime Minister Modi underscored the significance of semiconductor manufacturing in the 21st-century technological landscape, stressing the potential of ‘Made In India’ chips to drive self-sufficiency and innovation. He commended Bharat’s swift progress in the semiconductor domain, attributing it to the nation’s commitment to decisive action and efficient policy implementation.

The inauguration ceremony, attended by prominent figures from the government, industry, and academia, highlighted the pivotal role of semiconductor manufacturing in Bharat’s journey towards self-sufficiency and technological innovation. With over 60 thousand educational institutions participating in the event, the emphasis was on engaging the youth in Bharat’s progress and providing them with opportunities in emerging sectors like semiconductors.

The projects’ significance lies in Bharat’s strategic positioning within the global semiconductor industry, with only a handful of countries currently engaged in semiconductor manufacturing. Bharat’s commitment to attracting investment and fostering growth in this sector was underscored, with initiatives such as Ease of Doing Business reforms and streamlined FDI regulations creating an enabling environment for semiconductor companies.

Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Jal Shakti, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar who was also present virtually at the event said, “For decades, India was deprived of a thriving tech ecosystem despite having immense potential. Indian talent has made its mark on every major semiconductor company globally, and it is finally time to build an ecosystem that will encourage, skill, and train young Indians, especially in next-generation chip design, semiconductor research, and manufacturing, among other areas. The three new semiconductor plants inaugurated by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi ji will bring tremendous opportunities not just for Assam and Gujarat but for the whole nation. Made in India chips manufactured in India will help create a strong and significant presence for India in global value chains — it will make India a semicon hub for the world.”

The semiconductor projects are expected to generate significant employment opportunities and drive technological advancement, particularly for Bharat’s youth. The nation’s burgeoning talent pool in semiconductor design was highlighted, emphasizing the potential for startups and entrepreneurs to thrive in this burgeoning sector.

Reflecting on past challenges, the focus was on adopting proactive decision-making and forward-thinking policies to realize Bharat’s potential in high-tech industries. The government’s commitment to learning from past shortcomings and prioritizing the nation’s technological advancement was evident, setting the stage for a future defined by innovation and progress in semiconductor manufacturing.