Establishment of Three Semiconductor Facilities in Northeast Promises 80,000 Jobs: HM Shah

Agartala, Dec 21 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed on Saturday that the Union Cabinet has recently approved the establishment of three semiconductor facilities in the Northeast to enhance the semiconductor and display manufacturing landscape, which is projected to yield 20,000 direct jobs and 60,000 indirect job opportunities.

While speaking at the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC), the Home Minister mentioned that one of these semiconductor units, Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Private Limited, will be located in Assam with an investment of around Rs 27,000 crore, marking the largest investment in the region to date.

Shah emphasized that with an eye on future prospects, the Union Ministry of Education is collaborating with universities in the northeast to develop relevant educational programs for the youth.

He underscored that this initiative is set to create a significant number of job opportunities for the youth across all eight states of the Northeast.

The Home Minister noted that over the past decade, the remarkable development of infrastructure in the northeast has not only minimized physical distances but has also helped bridge the gap between the people of this region and Delhi.

Shah remarked that with Prime Minister Modi prioritizing the Northeast, it has naturally become a key focus for the entire central government.

He acknowledged that today, despite its diversity, the northeast is on a trajectory of development. He reflected on how, a decade ago, the area's rich diversity of over 200 tribal groups and more than 195 dialects posed challenges, leading to various conflicts.

It is Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has transformed this diversity from a weakness into a strength, making these tribal groups and their cultural richness a global focal point, and the linguistic variety has contributed to making the northeast one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots worldwide.

The Home Minister highlighted that the northeast boasts over 7,500 flower species, along with a variety of wildlife and water resources.

The Modi government has made extensive efforts over the last decade to safeguard this natural diversity and promote the region as a favored tourist destination, he added.

Shah recalled the establishment of the Ministry of DONER (Development of North Eastern Region) during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government.

He stated that the Modi administration has been dedicated to preserving the culture of the northeast, mentioning efforts to include many northeastern languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

He pointed out that it is now time to significantly boost the nation's ambition to achieve a 5 trillion dollar economy through the development of the northeast region.

Shah stated that the ministries of DONER and the North Eastern Council (NEC) are actively working to implement the guiding principle of 'Act East, Act Fast, and Act First.'

The Union Home Minister noted that over the past five decades, the NEC has provided a vital platform for addressing aspirations, needs, and potential solutions to challenges, developing a blueprint for northeastern development.

He indicated that violent incidents in the northeast have decreased by 71 percent in the last decade, with civilian fatalities dropping by 86 percent.

Shah added that approximately 10,574 insurgents have surrendered, and thanks to various peace agreements, the Central Government has successfully fostered peace throughout the northeast.

He stated that the allocation under the PM-DevINE scheme was around Rs 6600 crore, but it will soon be raised to Rs 9,000 crore.

The Home Minister mentioned that over 111 projects, including roads, power, education, healthcare services, sports infrastructure, and tourism, are currently being implemented for the development of the northeast.

He noted that from 2014-15, the budget for the northeast has increased by 153 percent, with the government setting ambitious goals through the Bamboo Mission to ensure prosperity across the northeast.

Regarding the flood issues affecting northeastern states, the Home Minister stated that by employing technology to create pathways that respect natural courses, road construction budgets could be reduced by at least 30 percent.