Exclusive Interview: Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Communications, and Electronics & IT, Discusses India’s Semiconductor Mission

In an exclusive interview with Siddharatha, Editor of NewsStation, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister for Railways, Communications, and Electronics & IT, sheds light on India’s significant strides in the semiconductor industry.

Giant Leap for India Semiconductor Mission: Cabinet Approves Three Semiconductor Units

The Modi Cabinet has greenlit three proposals for the establishment of semiconductor units in India, marking a monumental advancement for the country’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. These decisions come in the wake of the Programme for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem in India, which was initiated on December 21, 2021, with a substantial outlay of ₹76,000 crore.

Semiconductor Units Approved by Cabinet:

1. Semiconductor Fab with 50,000 WSPM Capacity: Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) will collaborate with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC), Taiwan, to establish a semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat, with an investment of ₹91,000 crores. This fab will focus on producing high-performance compute chips with 28 nm technology and power management chips for various applications.
2. Semiconductor ATMP Unit in Assam: Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (TSAT) will set up a semiconductor unit in Morigaon, Assam, with an investment of ₹27,000 crores. This unit will specialize in advanced semiconductor packaging technologies, catering to segments such as automotive, consumer electronics, and telecom.
3. Semiconductor ATMP Unit for Specialized Chips: CG Power, in partnership with Renesas Electronics Corporation, Japan, and Stars Microelectronics, Thailand, will establish a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, with an investment of ₹7,600 crores. This unit will manufacture chips for consumer, industrial, automotive, and power applications.

Strategic Importance and Employment Potential:

These units mark significant achievements for India’s Semiconductor Mission, establishing a robust semiconductor ecosystem in the country. They will contribute to the development of chip fabrication capabilities and indigenous advanced packaging technologies, fostering employment generation with 20,000 direct advanced technology jobs and 60,000 indirect jobs.

Construction Timeline:

All three units are slated to commence construction within the next 100 days, signaling a swift implementation of these strategic initiatives.

Conclusion:

The approval of these semiconductor units underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and fostering technological self-reliance. With these initiatives, India is poised to emerge as a key player in the global semiconductor industry, driving innovation, economic growth, and job creation in the country.