Is the Government's Rs 4,500 Crore Initiative Enough to Modernise the Semiconductor Laboratory?
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Synopsis
The government's ambitious Rs 4,500 crore plan to modernize SCL in Mohali has been praised by IESA. This initiative aims to accelerate semiconductor production in India, pivotal for strategic sectors. With collaboration from key organizations, this move promises to enhance the nation's semiconductor capabilities and support a growing talent pool.
Key Takeaways
- Investment of Rs 4,500 crore to modernize SCL in Mohali.
- Focus on 180 nm technology node for increased production capacity.
- Collaboration with key organizations to enhance semiconductor capabilities.
- Commitment to supporting students and startups in the semiconductor field.
- Strategic importance for India's defence and aerospace sectors.
New Delhi, Nov 29 (NationPress) The India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) expressed strong support for the government's allocation of Rs 4,500 crore aimed at enhancing the Semiconductor Complex Limited (SCL) in Mohali. This funding is expected to facilitate pilot production, small-scale fabrication, and early-stage prototyping, accelerating the journey from concept to market-ready products.
Ashok Chandak, the President of IESA, emphasized the necessity for seamless collaboration between the central and state governments to ensure prompt land allocation and infrastructure approvals, thereby minimizing delays and uncertainties.
The modernization of the SCL plant is projected to focus on the 180 nm technology node, which could lead to significant business opportunities and a remarkable 100-fold increase in production capacity, according to IESA. This successful setup will also pave the way for future advancements in lower technology nodes.
“This capability is crucial for addressing India’s strategic requirements, particularly in sectors such as defence, aerospace, and space, which demand reliable, indigenous semiconductor manufacturing,” the statement noted.
SCL is also poised to become a national hub for training and capacity building, offering access to EDA tools, hands-on workforce development, and fostering collaboration with academic institutions and industry to nurture India’s semiconductor talent.
The ongoing support through stable policies and fiscal initiatives under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) will further empower SCL to scale its operations, integrate into India’s expansive supply chain, and contribute to national export and innovation objectives.
The collaborative efforts involving the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Indian Space Research Organisation, alongside state government backing, will significantly enhance the success and impact of the SCL facility.
Electronics and Information Technology Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the SCL in Mohali, which aims to achieve a significant increase in wafer production, targeting a 100-fold escalation from current levels.
SCL Mohali will also maintain its commitment to supporting students, researchers, and startups by providing fabrication facilities that actualize their chip designs into tangible silicon products.
Point of View
The government's initiative to invest in the semiconductor sector is a strategic move that aligns with India's goal of becoming self-reliant in technology. The collaboration between various organizations and the focus on capacity building are steps in the right direction. Overall, this investment reflects a commitment to innovation and economic growth in a critical industry.
NationPress
29/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Rs 4,500 crore investment?
The investment aims to modernize the Semiconductor Complex Limited in Mohali, enhancing pilot production, small-scale fabrication, and early-stage prototyping capabilities.
How will this initiative impact India's semiconductor industry?
This initiative is expected to significantly increase production capacity and support the development of indigenous semiconductor manufacturing, which is crucial for various strategic sectors.
What role does IESA play in this initiative?
The India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) supports the government's investment and emphasizes the need for collaboration between the central and state governments to ensure timely implementation.
What are the expected outcomes of modernizing the SCL?
Modernizing the SCL is expected to create numerous business opportunities, enhance production capacity by 100 times, and develop a skilled workforce for the semiconductor industry.
How will this affect students and startups?
SCL will continue to provide fabrication facilities to support students, researchers, and startups in turning their chip designs into real silicon products.
