The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has unveiled a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s position as a global leader in technology and innovation. With a sharp focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductor manufacturing, and skill development, these programs are set to transform India into a powerhouse for cutting-edge technology and digital growth.
Semiconductor Manufacturing: A Strategic Leap Forward
Under the Semicon India Programme, MeitY approved several key proposals to establish semiconductor fabrication (fab) and Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facilities across the country.
-
- Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL): Approved for a ₹91,526 crore Semiconductor Fab facility in partnership with Taiwan’s PSMC. This project will produce 50,000 wafer starts per month and marks a significant technological milestone for India.
- TEPL OSAT Facility: With an additional ₹27,120 crore investment, this facility will produce 48 million units daily, leveraging indigenous packaging technologies to boost local manufacturing capabilities.
- CG Power and Industrial Solutions Limited: Cleared for an OSAT facility worth ₹7,584 crore. The facility aims to achieve a daily production capacity of 15.07 million units, strengthening India’s semiconductor supply chain.
- Kaynes Technology India Limited (KTIL): Approved for an OSAT facility in Sanand, Gujarat, with an investment of ₹3,307 crore. It targets a production output of 6.33 million chips per day.
These strategic investments enhance India’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and align with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. They aim to reduce dependency on imports while fostering technological growth and economic resilience.
AI Advancements: Building an Intelligent Future
MeitY’s IndiaAI Mission has made significant strides in establishing a robust AI ecosystem:
- National AI Portal (INDIAai): A collaborative effort between MeitY, NeGD, and NASSCOM, the portal now hosts 2,800+ articles, 472 startups, and 184 government initiatives, serving as a central hub for AI research and innovation.
- AIRAWAT Project: India’s AI computing infrastructure, equipped with 200 petaflops of scalable AI power, secured 75th place on the Top 500 Global Supercomputing List, showcasing India’s global competitiveness in AI research.
- Robotics Ecosystem Initiative: An inter-ministerial committee has been established to drive research, design, and manufacturing in robotics.
- Global Leadership in AI: India played a pivotal role in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), hosting the 6th GPAI Ministerial Council Meeting and emphasizing ethical AI development.
Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC 2.0): Driving Growth Across States
The Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC 2.0) Scheme has accelerated the growth of electronics manufacturing:
- Telangana (Divtipally): ₹10,574 crore investment, creating 19,164 jobs.
- Tamil Nadu (Sriperumbudur): ₹8,737 crore investment, generating 36,000 jobs.
- Karnataka (Mysuru): ₹1,560 crore investment, offering employment to 19,500 people.
Additionally, nine projects under the SPECS scheme, valued at ₹7,960 crore, received approvals, further advancing semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
Skill Development: Bridging the Digital Divide
The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) has played a crucial role in enhancing digital literacy among rural households. By March 2024, the program successfully trained 6.39 crore individuals, significantly increasing rural digital engagement.
Furthermore, two new skill development schemes for the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector have been introduced to address the growing demand for skilled professionals.
A Vision for the Future
These initiatives represent a strategic effort to integrate technology, infrastructure, and human capital. They aim to position India as a global technology hub. Investments in AI, semiconductor manufacturing, and skill development go beyond economic growth. They are key steps toward building a digitally inclusive society.
As India adapts to the fast-changing tech landscape, these measures are set to drive innovation-driven growth. They will also strengthen economic resilience and establish India’s leadership in critical technology sectors worldwide.
