India's Semiconductor Ambitions: Government Approves Major Manufacturing Projects
Government's Semiconductor Initiative Gains Momentum
New Delhi: The Indian government has greenlit six semiconductor manufacturing initiatives, collectively valued at approximately Rs 1,55,000 crore, which are projected to create over 27,000 direct job opportunities, as reported to Parliament on Wednesday.
The 'Semicon India Programme' was launched with a budget of Rs 76,000 crore aimed at fostering the semiconductor and display manufacturing landscape within the nation, as stated by Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, in a written response to the Lok Sabha.
Manufacturing semiconductors is a highly specialized field that involves intricate processes, leading to the creation of predominantly skilled job roles. Additionally, as a foundational industry, these semiconductor units are anticipated to positively influence job creation across various sectors and their supply chains.
Prasada noted that the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme offers financial backing to approved startups and MSMEs. Among the 22 design firms sanctioned under this initiative, three are located in Telangana.
Furthermore, design infrastructure support has been granted to 11 companies in Telangana. The Chips to Startup (C2S) program is also backing 22 institutes in Telangana with design tools, while six institutions are receiving financial assistance.
In Tamil Nadu, three out of the 22 design companies approved under the DLI scheme have also received approval, along with design infrastructure support for six firms.
The C2S initiative aims to cultivate a skilled workforce of 85,000 individuals in the semiconductor domain. Engineering institutions are being equipped with essential software and tools for semiconductor chip design, with over 45,000 students enrolled from 100 institutions.
In 2022, a Skilled Manpower Advanced Research and Training (SMART) Lab was established at NIELIT Calicut, aiming to train 1 lakh engineers nationwide, with more than 42,000 engineers already trained.
The government is also partnering with industry leaders and academic institutions, including Lam Research, IBM, and Purdue University, as highlighted by the minister.