PM Modi performs virtual Bhoomi Poojan for three semiconductor facilities worth around ₹1.25 lakh crore

Gandhinagar : At the ‘India’s Techade: Chips for Viksit Bharat’ event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a virtual Bhoomi Poojan for three semiconductor facilities valued at around ₹1.25 lakh crore.

Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel participated in the inauguration of Tata Electronics Private Limited’s (TEPL) Commercial Semiconductor Fab in Dholera, Ahmedabad. State Cabinet Minister Balvantsinh Rajput attended the inauguration of CG Power’s OSAT facility in Sanand.

During the ‘India’s Techade: Chips for Viksit Bharat’ event, Prime Minister  Narendra Modi addressed the audience via video conferencing, highlighting the significance of the inauguration as a major milestone towards India’s prosperous future. He stated that today’s significant event embodies a crucial advancement towards India’s promising future, with three notable semiconductor manufacturing projects, valued at approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore collectively, inaugurated in Dholera and Sanand, Gujarat, as well as Moregaon, Assam. He expressed confidence in these projects’ role in establishing India as a semiconductor hub. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also emphasized the significance of “Made in India” and “Design in India” chips in advancing India’s self-reliance and modernization. He reiterated India’s commitment to leading the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0, after missing out on opportunities presented by the first three industrial revolutions.

Addressing the breakthrough in the semiconductor sector, the Prime Minister highlighted that two years ago, he announced the Semiconductor Mission, and recently, the MoU was signed, leading to the finalization of three projects. This achievement reflects the mantra of “India Commits, India Delivers, and Democracy Delivers.” Discussing the nation’s youth, the Prime Minister noted that over 60,000 colleges, universities, and educational institutions are affiliated with this program. He emphasized that today’s event fulfils the aspirations of the country’s youth, who are integral to India’s future. He observed that the youth witness India’s multifaceted efforts towards self-reliance and a robust global presence, expressing confidence in their ability to shape the nation’s destiny.

Highlighting the importance of technology-based electronic chips in the 21st century, the Prime Minister emphasized that “Made in India” and “Design in India” chips will propel India towards self-reliance and modernization. Stressing the value of every moment, the Prime Minister described today’s program as a testament to the government’s speed and efficiency in action. Describing the swift advancements in the semiconductor sector, the Prime Minister referenced the announcement of the Semiconductor Mission two years ago, followed by the rapid execution of three projects since the signing of the MoU just a few months ago. He underscored that this progress epitomizes the ethos of “India commits, India Delivers, and Democracy Delivers.”

Highlighting the global landscape, the Prime Minister noted that only a handful of countries currently produce semiconductors, emphasizing the imperative of a resilient supply chain post-COVID disruptions. Expressing India’s ambition in this domain, he emphasized the nation’s technological prowess, nuclear capabilities, and digital infrastructure. “The day is not distant when India will emerge as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing,” remarked the Prime Minister, explaining forthcoming strategies wherein India leads commercial production in the semiconductor industry. He highlighted that current policy decisions will yield strategic advantages for India in the future, facilitating trade and streamlining regulations. The Prime Minister disclosed that over the past few years, more than 40,000 compliances have been eliminated, and regulations for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) have been simplified. FDI policies have been relaxed in sectors such as defence, insurance, and telecommunications.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s increasing role in electronics and hardware manufacturing, citing Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes aimed at fostering large-scale electronic and IT hardware manufacturing and electronic clusters. Furthermore, the Prime Minister noted that India is currently the second-largest producer of mobile phones globally. He mentioned the launch of India’s “Quantum Mission” and the establishment of the National Research Foundation to promote innovation. Speaking on the expansion of India’s AI mission, he emphasized India’s efforts to both advance and adopt technology. The Prime Minister emphasized that semiconductor research will greatly benefit the youth. Referring to the broadening application of semiconductors across various industries, he remarked, “Semiconductors are not just an industry, but gateways to limitless potential.”

Additionally, highlighting the significant presence of Indian talent in global chip design and manufacturing, the Prime Minister affirmed that India’s talent ecosystem is comprehensive as the country advances in the semiconductor manufacturing sector. He emphasized that today’s youth are well aware of the emerging opportunities, whether in the space sector or mapping sector and stressed opening up these fields for them. Highlighting the significance of the event, he mentioned that it will create new opportunities for startups in the semiconductor space, contributing to India’s ambition of building the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. He expressed confidence that the projects announced today will generate numerous technology-related jobs for the youth.

Reflecting on the transformative approach of the government, he referred to the motto “Yahi Samay Hai Sahi Samay” (This is the Right Time), stating that policies and decisions guided by this principle yield significant results. He highlighted India’s departure from old paradigms and its accelerated decision-making process. The Prime Minister underscored the long-standing aspirations for semiconductor manufacturing in India since the 1960s, lamenting past governments’ lack of action due to a lack of will. He reiterated the government’s forward-looking approach, aiming to position India as a competitor to developed nations in semiconductor manufacturing. Furthermore, he emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing national priorities, including housing for the poor, research promotion, and leading the world’s largest sanitation movement. He emphasized the advancements in semiconductor manufacturing as part of the government’s multifaceted efforts.

The Prime Minister announced, “In 2024 alone, projects worth over ₹12 lakh crore have been inaugurated and had their foundation stones laid.”
Yesterday, the Prime Minister referred to the Bharat Shakti exercise in Pokhran, which showcased India’s self-reliant defense sector of the 21st century, as well as India’s entry into the exclusive club of countries with the Agni-5 missile. Just two days ago, thousands of drones were distributed to women under the “Namo Drone Didi Yojana,” marking the beginning of a drone revolution in agriculture. Additionally, he mentioned that India’s preparations for Gaganyaan are progressing rapidly, and the country recently inaugurated its first indigenous fast-breeder nuclear reactor. He remarked, “All these endeavours are propelling India closer to its developmental objectives, and undoubtedly, today’s three schemes will also significantly contribute to this.”

Highlighting the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in today’s world, the Prime Minister mentioned how his speech is being translated into multiple languages, praising the youth for their efforts in spreading their message across India in various Indian languages. The Prime Minister emphasized, “India’s youth possess immense potential and require opportunities. The semiconductor sector is providing these opportunities to India today.” He commended the progress in the Northeast, mentioning the laying of the foundation stone for one of the three semiconductor facilities in Assam today. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister urged everyone to contribute to India’s advancement, stating, “Modi Guarantees your future.” During the event, the Prime Minister congratulated the citizens for the significant initiatives. Additionally, he acknowledged the virtual presence of industry players from Taiwan’s semiconductor industry.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Electronics and IT

Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, defined the milestone of semiconductor projects as a historic day for India. He emphasized that today, Bhoomi Poojan ceremonies are being conducted for a total of three semiconductor plants across the country: two in Gujarat and one in Assam. These plants are set to become operational shortly. The Minister highlighted that the central government had sanctioned these three semiconductor plants on February 24, 2024, and within a short span of 15 days, the groundbreaking ceremonies for all three plants are taking place today. The Union Minister further noted that India has been making efforts in the semiconductor industry since 1962, and this success has been achieved due to the decision-making prowess and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Looking ahead, the Union Minister expressed that the semiconductor plant will elevate the technology of “Made in India,” “Made in Sanand,” and “Made in Assam” onto the global stage. He cited this initiative as a prime example of the effectiveness of a double-engine government at work.

Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel

On the occasion of the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Commercial Semiconductor Fab at Dholera, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel highlighted the remarkable progress of Indian industries under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized that many seemingly impossible feats have been achieved under the resolution of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” guided by the Prime Minister, including advancements in the semiconductor manufacturing sector. The Chief Minister further underlined Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s belief in transforming problems into opportunities, which he referred to as Modi’s guarantee. He elaborated on the increasing use of smart technology across various sectors such as health, agriculture, and logistics in the country, emphasizing the pivotal role of semiconductor chips and electronic devices in modern technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). He stressed the importance of a reliable semiconductor chip supply chain in today’s world.

He elaborated that under the Prime Minister’s guidance, the state government is steadfastly working towards positioning Gujarat as the focal point of semiconductor manufacturing in India. Gujarat is committed to realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of “Viksit Gujarat,” which aligns with the broader vision of “Viksit Bharat.” The Chief Minister emphasized Gujarat’s significant potential in achieving this vision. Furthermore, he highlighted Gujarat’s pioneering initiative as the first state to formulate a dedicated semiconductor policy to promote emerging sectors like semiconductors. He noted a unique aspect of the state’s semiconductor policy: projects approved by the Government of India receive automatic approval in Gujarat, streamlining the regulatory process. He underscored that Dholera’s Semicon City is emerging as a premier destination in the country, offering comprehensive facilities for the semiconductor sector. This has attracted keen interest from semiconductor manufacturing companies worldwide.

Discussing the upcoming plant, the Chief Minister highlighted the establishment of the Gujarat State Electronic Mission by the state government to capitalize on investment opportunities in the semiconductor and electronics sector. At the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January, Tata Group Chairman N. Chandrasekharji announced Tata’s semiconductor plant in Dholera. Today, within two months, Tata in Dholera and CG Power in Sanand are set to decommission their plants—a testament to the steadfast commitment of the double-engine government under the Prime Minister’s leadership. Expanding on this, the Chief Minister underscored that Dholera’s industrial facilities make it an ideal location for the globally competitive semiconductor sector. Moreover, with the National Highway, Regional Railway, and Dholera International Airport connecting Ahmedabad to Dholera, the necessary logistical infrastructure for the semiconductor sector is readily available. The establishments in Dholera and Sanand will generate significant employment opportunities. The semiconductor chips produced in Gujarat will find applications across various sectors globally, including in India. He emphasized that India is on track to become a key player in the semiconductor industry, with Gujarat playing a pivotal role in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’.

During the event, Shri N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd., attributed the success of the program to the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He also expressed the significance of the day for the Tata Group, marking the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony for the semiconductor manufacturing plant at Dholera. He highlighted the potential for a substantial increase in employment opportunities through this plant in the near future. Furthermore, he emphasized that India is advancing towards becoming a semiconductor manufacturing hub. Shri Vellayan Subbiah, Chairman of CG Power and Industrial Solution Limited, expressed his joy on the occasion, describing it as a historic day for the semiconductor manufacturing sector and the nation as a whole. He underscored the progress towards realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He acknowledged the leadership of the Prime Minister in the nation’s overall progress and reiterated the commitment to contributing fully to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.

During today’s event, an MOU was signed between Smt. Mona Khandhar, Principal Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, and Shri Randhir Thakur and Shri Manish Gurwani from Mission Direct – GSEM Science and Technology Department, along with Shri Vellayan Subbiah, Chairman of CG Power, in the presence of the Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel. Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd, in collaboration with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation from Taiwan, will establish a plant in Dholera with a total investment of ₹91 thousand crore. This facility will produce 50,000 semiconductor wafers per month, which are utilized in various sectors including electric vehicles, telecom, defense, automotive, and power management. In Sanand, C.G. Power, a joint venture between Renesas Electronics Corporation-Japan and Stars Micro Electronics-Thailand, has established a semiconductor ATMP with an investment of ₹7600 crore, which will commence operations soon. These ventures are expected to generate over 25,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities in the near future.

A vast audience of electronics and IT experts, as well as students from all corners of the country, tuned in to the program via virtual platforms.
In attendance was Union Minister of State, Dr. Mahendra Munjpara, Chief Secretary, Shri Raj Kumar, local MLAs, District Collector, Smt. Praveena D.K., District Development Officer, Shri Videh Khare, and representatives from Tata Electronics and Tata Sons. Additionally, present at the event were Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department at Sanand, Shri S.J. Haider, local MLAs, Secretary of the Central Electronics and IT Department, Shri S. Krishnan, representatives from Murugappa Group and CG Power and Industrial Ltd., as well as officials from Renesas Electronics Corporation.