In a significant move that underscores India's determined push towards self-reliance in electronics manufacturing, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has declared that the country is poised to become a "major Semiconductor Nation" in the global arena. Central to this ambitious vision is the planned revitalization of the Mohali-based Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), a facility set to be transformed into a powerhouse for research, development, and talent creation.
The Minister for Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology made the announcement yesterday while inaugurating the new Semiconductor Process Gallery and the 'PARANGAT' Semiconductor Training Lab at the SCL campus in Mohali. He outlined a comprehensive plan to supercharge the facility under the Prime Minister’s flagship India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
A Rs. 4500 Crore Vision for SCL
The cornerstone of this transformation is a massive investment of Rs. 4500 crore dedicated to the comprehensive upgradation of the Mohali facility. Minister Vaishnaw detailed that this infusion of capital will be used to modernize the lab with state-of-the-art tools and equipment, a move that is expected to increase its production capacity by a staggering 100 times from current levels.
"This upgradation is not just about scaling up; it's about leaping forward," the Minister stated. "The modernized SCL will be equipped to fulfil three critical mandates: strategic requirements for the nation, cutting-edge research and development, and the hands-on training needs of students aspiring to build careers in chip fabrication."
Addressing Key Requirements and Assuring Employees
To facilitate this long-term growth and ensure the institution has room to expand, Minister Vaishnaw made a direct appeal to the Punjab government. He requested the allocation of 25 acres of adjoining land to the existing SCL campus, emphasizing that this space is crucial for the facility's future-proofing and its contribution to the region's technological ecosystem.
In a move that brought clarity and reassurance to the SCL workforce, the Minister categorically cleared the air on speculation regarding the institution's ownership. Putting all doubts to rest, he affirmed, "This facility will remain a government and a major Research and Development organisation." This statement unequivocally rules out any plans for privatization, assuring employees of the government's commitment to nurturing SCL as a public-sector R&D asset.
The Bigger Picture: India's Semiconductor Dream
The revitalization of SCL is a critical component of the India Semiconductor Mission, a $10 billion initiative designed to create a vibrant and sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem in the country. By strengthening a foundational institution like SCL, the government aims to create a robust talent pipeline and foster indigenous R&D capabilities.
The new 'PARANGAT' Training Lab and the Process Gallery are the first steps in this direction, aimed at bridging the industry-academia gap and providing students and researchers with practical exposure to semiconductor manufacturing processes.
With this strategic investment and a clear vision, the Mohali SCL is no longer just a laboratory; it is being positioned as a cradle for India's semiconductor future, ready to play a pivotal role in placing the nation firmly on the global chipmaking map.
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