Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared Saturday a "golden day" for the state as he performed the Bhumi pujan for a groundbreaking semiconductor assembly and test facility at Jagiroad, marking a significant investment of Rs 27,000 crore.
The project, spearheaded by Tata Sons Limited, is expected to pave the way for industrial development and job opportunities for the youth of Assam.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sarma expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tata Sons for their pivotal role in bringing the facility to Assam.
"This facility will herald industrial development in the state, leading to numerous employment opportunities," he said, emphasizing the government's commitment to supporting the establishment of this industry.
The Chief Minister reassured N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, that the company would face no difficulties in setting up the facility.
"The people of Assam will always be grateful for this initiative," he added.
Sarma credited the Prime Minister, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Electronics Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for facilitating this project, stating, "They assured us that if the Tatas were willing to take one step, the Centre would take two to ensure the facility's establishment."
Despite a decline in insurgency activities in the region, Sarma noted that few private companies were willing to invest in Assam.
However, he recounted how he had approached Chandrasekaran, then the managing director of Tata Consultancy Services, to co-sponsor the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Guwahati, a request that was positively received.
The Tatas are not new to Assam, having established a presence in various sectors including the tea industry, cancer care, healthcare facilities, automotive, and now electronics.
Sarma highlighted, "The Tatas could have set up this industry in any state, but they chose Assam, and we are grateful for that."
In a positive development for local employment, Chandrasekaran announced that 1,000 girls have already been recruited and are undergoing training in Hosur.
"When these girls return to the state to work in this facility, they will inspire many others. I am proud to witness this moment as the Chief Minister of Assam," Sarma said.
The semiconductor facility will occupy the site of the defunct Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited, which Sarma described as "a dark chapter in Assam's industrial history."
He expressed optimism, stating, "We believe that a new creation is possible from adversity," and emphasized the state's commitment to a successful future.
Chandrasekaran elaborated on the project’s potential impact, stating that it would not only provide technology-based knowledge and skill development but also generate high-end jobs and create a semiconductor ecosystem.
This ecosystem will encourage the establishment of numerous companies focused on manufacturing essential components, fostering a thriving electronics hub in the region.
He added, "As the industry is innovation-driven, it will lead to several research and development initiatives."
Chandrasekaran expressed hope that parts of the project would be completed by 2025, allowing operations to commence promptly.
The Tata Group has pledged to prioritize the hiring of local youth. "With 1,000 girls already recruited, we are confident they will shape the future of Assam and the country," he said.
Furthermore, he conveyed best wishes for the project from former Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata, underscoring the significance of the initiative for the region.
During the event, Sarma and Chandrasekaran conducted the Bhumi pujan ceremony, symbolizing the commencement of the project. A 3-D model of the semiconductor assembly and test facility was unveiled, providing a glimpse of what is to come.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously laid the foundation stone for the facility virtually on March 13 this year.
The greenfield project by Tata Electronics at Jagiroad represents a monumental investment of Rs 27,000 crore and is anticipated to generate employment for over 30,000 individuals.
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