Guwahati, Jan 3: Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, unveiled ambitious plans to establish Assam and the Northeast as key hubs for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) and Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd. at Guwahati Railway Station, Vaishnaw outlined the government’s vision. He announced the establishment of NIELIT University in Jagiroad, which will specialize in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing education.
The university will have its main campus in Jagiroad, with 11 additional campuses planned across the region, including in Imphal, Itanagar, Agartala, and Aizawl. Vaishnaw emphasized that the initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
“The initiative aspires to make Assam-made semiconductors globally relevant, with potential applications in automobiles manufactured in countries like Germany and the U.S.,” Vaishnaw said. He added that the university would focus on electronics manufacturing, semiconductor technology, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
Highlighting the potential of the Northeast, Vaishnaw said, “Engineers from Assam already excel in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. This success inspires further investment in IT and electronics sectors in the region.” Referring to the region as the “land of Astalakshmi,” he described Assam and the Northeast as a new engine of India’s growth.
Increased Budgetary Allocations for the Northeast
The Union Minister cited significant increases in central government allocations for the Northeast, noting that the region’s budget rose from ₹24,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1.25 lakh crore in 2024-25. Similarly, allocations for railway development in the Northeast increased from ₹2,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹10,000 crore in 2024-25. These funds will focus on connecting all districts, constructing new tracks, and building bridges.
Vaishnaw praised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his proactive role in advancing railways, IT, and semiconductor initiatives, describing the collaboration between the state and central governments as a “double-engine government” driving development.
Boosting Connectivity and Broadcasting
As part of the program, Vaishnaw flagged off three new train services:
Guwahati – New Bongaigaon – Guwahati Daily Passenger (Train No. 55818/55817)
Tinsukia – Naharlagun – Tinsukia Tri-weekly Express (Train No. 15911/15912)
Guwahati – North Lakhimpur – Guwahati Bi-weekly Jan Shatabdi Express (Train No. 12047/12048)
He noted that these services would enhance regional connectivity and support local development. Additionally, the Minister inaugurated a new FM transmitter at Akashvani Kokrajhar, benefiting over 30 lakh residents in Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Bongaigaon, and Chirang districts. The new transmitter promises improved FM broadcast quality, enhancing access to public information and entertainment.
Focus on Industry-Relevant Education
During the event, NIELIT signed an MoU with Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd. to enhance collaboration in electronics and IT. Recognized as a Deemed-to-be University by the University Grants Commission (UGC), NIELIT is headquartered in Ropar and has 11 constituent units nationwide.
The university aims to redefine education in emerging technologies through undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs. Key focus areas include Artificial Intelligence, semiconductor design and manufacturing, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), automotive electronics, machine learning, and blockchain technology.
The curriculum will be developed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure students acquire skills that meet global standards, reinforcing Assam’s position as a future leader in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
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