About the Programme

• In order to widen and deepen electronic manufacturing and ensure development of a robust and sustainable Semiconductor and Display ecosystem in the country, the Union Cabinet had approved the Semicon India Programme in December last year.
• The initiative will position the country as a global hub for electronic system design and manufacturing.
• Through the program’s scope, the government hopes to attract large global chip makers to make India their production base. India wants to achieve technological leadership in these areas of strategic importance – also key to the security of the country’s critical information infrastructure.
• The programme has been approved with an outlay of 76 thousand crore rupees.

Implementation

• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) has been set up as a dedicated institution for the Semicon India Programme.
• ISM will coordinate with the applicant companies who have also reached out to states to provide access to world class infrastructure.
• It will work closely with the state governments to establish high-tech clusters with 300 to 500 acres of developed land, 100 Kilo Volt Ampere Power, 50 Million Litre Per Day  Water, availability of natural gases and common facility centres for testing and certification.

Why in News?

• The Government of India has announced that it is currently proposals for setting up electronic chip and display manufacturing units with a total investment of ₹1.53 lakh crore.

Significance 

• Semiconductors are the building blocks of electronic devices ranging from smartphones and cloud servers to modern cars, industrial automation, critical infrastructure and defence systems. They are at the core of fourth industrial revolution technologies.
• India, like other countries across the world, imports most of its chips from Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam. 
• If a country is looking to be self-sufficient or self-reliant, it cannot do without a vibrant semiconductor industry.
• The Semicon India Programme will not only boost semiconductor manufacturing but will also help India achieve self-sufficiency, improve data security, and gain digital independence.
• Developing domestic semiconductor manufacturing capabilities will have a multiplier effect across different sectors of the economy and will contribute significantly to achieving a USD 1 trillion digital economy and a USD 5 trillion GDP by 2025. 

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/business/nod-for-investment-proposals-from-5-6-chipmakers-in-6-8-months-vaishnaw/article65367365.ece