The Gujarat government has achieved a significant milestone in India's technological advancement by signing a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Micron, a renowned US-based computer storage chip maker.
The MoU paves the way for the establishment of a state-of-the-art semiconductor assembly and test facility at Sanand in Ahmedabad district, with an estimated investment of $2.75 billion.
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, hailed the partnership as a historic day for India, as it marks the country's first-ever semiconductor manufacturing facility.
Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the critical role of semiconductors in supporting the growth of India's electronics industry. With this collaboration, India is poised to become a significant player in the global semiconductor market.
The MoU signing took place in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Micron's senior vice president Gurusharan Singh, and the Gujarat government's secretary of Science and Technology, Vijay Nehra. Minister Vaishnaw commended the swift action taken by the Gujarat government in allocating land and finalizing the agreement within just six days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States.
Vaishnaw also revealed that the manufacturing of the first chips is expected to commence within 18 months, a remarkably accelerated timeline compared to the typical 36 to 48 months required for semiconductor facility establishment.
Micron's senior vice president, Gurusharan Singh, expressed the company's decision to select Gujarat for the semiconductor plant, citing the state's industry-friendly policies as a significant factor.
The Sanand plant will be responsible for converting (silicon) wafers into semiconductor chips, catering to domestic and international markets.
The establishment of this semiconductor plant is expected to generate approximately 5,000 direct jobs and an additional 15,000 indirect jobs, providing a substantial boost to employment opportunities in the region.
Furthermore, the plant's total investment of $2.75 billion (approximately ₹22,540 crore) showcases Micron's commitment to India's growth and technological advancement.
Under the agreement, Micron will receive 50% fiscal support for the total project cost from the Indian government, along with incentives representing 20% of the total project cost from the Gujarat government.
These measures demonstrate the government's commitment to fostering a favorable business environment and encouraging investments in the semiconductor industry.
Micron's plant in Sanand, Gujarat, will include 500,000 square feet of planned cleanroom space in its initial phase. The company anticipates that the first phase, comprising assembly and test manufacturing for DRAM and NAND products, will become operational by late 2024.
This significant step forward will not only meet the growing demand for semiconductor chips but also strengthen India's presence in the global semiconductor market.
With this groundbreaking partnership between Gujarat and Micron, India is poised to enhance its technological capabilities, promote innovation, and drive economic growth in the electronics sector.
Conclusion
The MoU signed between the Gujarat government and Micron for the establishment of a semiconductor assembly and test facility marks a historic milestone for India's technological advancement.
This partnership not only brings the first semiconductor manufacturing plant to India but also signifies the country's commitment to becoming a major player in the global semiconductor market.
With swift execution and an accelerated manufacturing timeline, the collaboration holds immense potential for job creation and growth in the electronics industry.
The support from the Indian and Gujarat governments, along with Micron's investment, demonstrates the collective effort to create a favorable business environment and foster innovation.
This significant step forward sets the stage for India's technological future, paving the way for further advancements and opportunities in the semiconductor sector.