Assam’s capital city Guwahati is poised to become a hub for technological innovation as a groundbreaking development takes shape. Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, announced at the Digital India “FutureSKILLS Summit” in Guwahati that Assam is on the cusp of hosting a Rs 25,000-crore semiconductor packaging unit. This initiative, in collaboration with the TATA group, not only promises a significant boost to the semiconductor industry but also aims to create employment opportunities for the youth in the region.
Chandrasekhar, speaking at the summit, commended the dynamic leadership of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, emphasising that the semiconductor plant would soon become a reality, offering a promising prospect for local youth. The proposal for this ambitious project is on the verge of finalisation and will soon be presented to the cabinet for approval.
Underlining the impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and policies, Chandrasekhar pointed out the burgeoning opportunities in diverse sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, electronics, cybersecurity, and internet technology. He urged the youth to leverage these opportunities by honing their skills, aligning with the vision of a self-reliant India.
The summit, a first-of-its-kind in the country, garnered participation from global technology giants like NBDR, Intel, AMD, HCL, Wipro, and IBM, signaling abundant job opportunities for skilled individuals. Chandrasekhar stressed the importance of students understanding the requirements of these companies, developing their skills, and seizing the opportunities presented.
Various reputed universities, including IIT Bombay and IIT Guwahati, are set to play a crucial role in skilling the youth of the region in various technological sectors. The summit’s objective is not only to motivate students but also to ensure that the youth of Northeast India have equal access to employment opportunities in these burgeoning industries.
Reflecting on India’s economic progress, Chandrasekhar highlighted the remarkable transformation from being labelled part of the ‘fragile five’ to emerging as one of the top global economies. The digital economy, which was at 4 per cent of the GDP before 2014, has witnessed substantial growth, reaching 11 per cent, with projections to hit 20 per cent by 2026-27.
In the context of Assam’s technological leap, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma affirmed that the TATA group has finalised plans for a semiconductor plant in Jagiroad, a small town 50 kilometres from Guwahati. The Assam government has already selected the location at the Assam Industrial Development Corporation park, awaiting final approval from the central government.
As the semiconductor industry takes root in Assam, the region is poised for a transformative journey into the heart of technological advancements, creating a brighter future for its youth and contributing to India’s ascent as a global technology leader.
