In a significant development for Assam, industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata has announced a groundbreaking investment of Rs 27,000 crore in setting up a semiconductor plant in Jagiroad. This move, according to Tata, is poised to elevate Assam onto the global stage. Tata, whose conglomerate has long been involved in various philanthropic endeavors, sees this investment as transformative, not just for Assam’s economy but also for its healthcare infrastructure.
Tata’s announcement comes on the heels of Assam’s collaboration with the Tata Group in establishing several cancer care hospitals across the state. This new venture aims to position Assam as a major player in the production of sophisticated semiconductors. Ratan Tata expressed gratitude towards the Chief Minister of Assam, Mr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, for his unwavering support and vision in realizing this ambitious project.
The endeavor aligns with the Bharatiya government’s broader push towards indigenous electronics manufacturing, as emphasized by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Assurances have been made that the first ‘Made in India’ semiconductor chip will roll out by December 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underscored the importance of electronics manufacturing for a developed Bharat, prompting initiatives like the one in Assam.
The semiconductor industry in Bharat is still in its nascent stage, but with investments pouring in and policy support from the government, there’s growing optimism about its potential. The recent foundation stone-laying ceremony by Prime Minister Modi for three semiconductor facilities, including two in Gujarat and one in Assam, underscores the government’s commitment to this sector.
Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (“TSAT”) is spearheading the establishment of the semiconductor unit in Morigaon, Assam. With a planned capacity of producing 48 million chips per day, this facility aims to cater to various sectors such as automotive, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, telecom, and mobile phones. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has hailed this initiative as a significant step towards integrating the northeast region into Bharat’s technological revolution.
The commercial production of semiconductor chips at the plants in Gujarat and Assam is slated to commence in 2026, according to Tata Group’s projections. The recent chip shortages experienced during the Covid-19 pandemic have underscored the critical need for indigenous semiconductor manufacturing to bolster national security and spur domestic innovation.
Meanwhile, progress on Bharat’s first high-end semiconductor fabrication plant, spearheaded by American chip maker Micron in Gujarat’s Sanand, is advancing swiftly. Anticipated to be operational by late 2024, this facility marks another significant milestone in Bharat’s journey towards becoming a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing.
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