Tata Electronics commenced construction of its Rs 27,000-crore semiconductor plant in Jagiroad, Morigaon district. The plant, poised to become operational in 2025, is expected to generate 27,000 jobs initially.
This project, which aims to produce 4.83 crore chips daily using indigenous technologies, marks a significant milestone in India's semiconductor industry.
The Bhumi Pujan ceremony, held on Saturday, saw the presence of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran. Chandrasekaran highlighted that the facility has already employed 1,000 individuals from Assam, with plans to expand the workforce significantly.
"At full capacity, the plant will provide 27,000 jobs, including 15,000 direct and 12,000 indirect positions. We aim to accelerate construction and hope to commence operations by 2025," he stated.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the project on February 29, 2024. Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the rapid progress, noting that construction began within five months of approval.
He Spotlighted the plant's unique feature of utilising three major technologies developed in India.
"This facility will manufacture around 4.83 crore chips per day, which will be integral to vehicles, including electric vehicles, and 5G infrastructure," Vaishnaw explained.
Vaishnaw also pointed out the broader impact of the semiconductor industry, emphasising the downstream and upstream employment it generates.
"The semiconductor sector is foundational. When a unit is established, numerous ancillary units follow, creating extensive employment opportunities," he remarked.
A crucial component of the India Semiconductor Mission is talent development. Vaishnaw revealed that nine institutes in the northeast are already working on developing talent for the semiconductor industry.
These include NITs in Silchar, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Agartala, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya's North Eastern Hill University.
"Our Prime Minister has consistently emphasised the 'Act East' policy. Today's milestone in Assam is a testament to this vision, marking a significant achievement in our semiconductor programme," Vaishnaw added.
Chief Minister Sarma described the Bhumi Pujan as a "golden day" for Assam, assuring Tata Sons of full support in setting up the industry. "This facility will drive industrial development in the state, creating employment opportunities for our youth," he said, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Minister Vaishnaw for their support.
Sarma recounted his earlier interactions with Chandrasekaran, who was then managing director of Tata Consultancy Services, to co-sponsor the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT, Guwahati).
He praised Chandrasekaran's readiness to invest in Assam, despite the state's history of insurgency deterring private investment.
In addition to the Assam plant, Tata Electronics is establishing India's first wafer fabrication unit in Dholera, Gujarat, with an investment of Rs 91,000 crore.
This facility is expected to produce 50,000 wafers per month, with the first chip slated for December 2026.
The semiconductor chip assembly and testing plant in Assam and the wafer fabrication unit in Gujarat represent significant strides in India's technological and industrial capabilities.
These projects are anticipated to bolster the country's semiconductor ecosystem, fostering innovation and economic growth.
As the construction of the Assam plant progresses, the state's youth and local communities look forward to the economic upliftment and job opportunities it promises.
The Tata Group's investment is set to transform Assam into a crucial hub for semiconductor manufacturing, aligning with the nation's broader 'Make in India' initiative and technological aspirations.
With this project, Assam is poised to become a significant player in the global semiconductor industry, paving the way for further industrialisation and development in the region.
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