Morigaon (Assam): Adding another chapter to the process of industrialization in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday virtually laid the foundation stone for the Tata Group's Rs 27,000 crore indigenous "Semiconductor Assembly & Test Facility" at Jagiroad in Morigaon district.
This apart, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stones for Tata-Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing's "Semiconductor Fabrication Unit" at Dholera and that for the CG Power-Renesas outsourced assembly and test (OSAT) facility at Sanand, both in Gujarat.
The combined investment of the three semiconductor chip production/assembly facilities comes to around Rs 1,26,000 crore.
Speaking from the site of the upcoming facility at Jagiroad in Morigaon district, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the latter's role in the establishment of the semiconductor assembly and test facility in the state by Tata Electronics.
"Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the "geographical barrier" is no longer a hindrance in the process of industrializing Assam and the rest of the North-eastern States," the Chief Minister stated.
Expressing his happiness over Assam being covered under the first phase of the "semiconductor technology revolution" in the country, the Chief Minister said it is a manifestation of the fact that under the current dispensation at the Centre, the Northeast of India is getting its due attention and the region cannot be termed a "neglected region" anymore.
"The people of Assam shall remain forever indebted to the Prime Minister for his role in the ushering of a new wave of development and progress in the state," the Chief Minister added.
The Chief Minister exuded confidence that, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the nation will attain its rightful status of "Vishwa Guru" in the days to come.
The Chief Minister praised the Tata Group for coming forward with investments to the tune of Rs 27,000 crore and assured the multi-billion-dollar conglomerate of doing everything within the capacity of the Government of Assam to provide a conducive industrial environment.
He said the investment by Tata Group in Jagiroad will contribute greatly to the economic growth of the state and the country.
Referring to the foundation stone laid for the semiconductor unit at Jagiroad as an emotional moment for him, the Chief Minister said it has the potential to provide direct employment to as many as 15,000 youth of the state and provide indirect employment opportunities to equal number of job-seekers.
He praised the role of Bimal Bora and Pijush Hazarika, Ministers in the Assam Cabinet, for their tireless efforts in ensuring the idea of having a semiconductor assembly and test unit at Jagiroad turns into a reality.
He appealed to the people of Assam to shed the "culture" of strikes/andolans/hartals and embrace positivity and optimism so that Assam can attain its rightful position among the States of the Indian Union.
Union Minister of Communications and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Chairman of Tata Sons N Chandrasekaran joined through the video-conference mode.
Deputy Chairman of Assam Legislative Assembly Dr. Numal Momin, Ministers of Assam Cabinet Pijush Hazarika, Bimal Bora, Jogen Mohan, and Keshab Mahanta, along with a host of dignitaries were present at Jagiroad on the occasion.
