Guwahati: In a historic event today, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Hon’ble Governor of Assam, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, and Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, jointly inaugurated the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) Deemed to be University. The inauguration, which also marked the launch of 12 campuses, including five in the North Eastern States, took place in Guwahati.
NIELIT, the sole university under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), aims to become a center for advanced technological education, particularly in fields like Semiconductor Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Industry 4.0, paving the way for India’s digital future.
The event also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIELIT and Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL). The agreement focuses on building a robust semiconductor skilling ecosystem in India.
- Skill Development Initiatives: The collaboration aims to establish skill centers, develop diploma and certification programs, and organize workshops in Semiconductor ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging) technologies.
- Internship and Research Opportunities: While TEPL will offer technical expertise and internships, NIELIT will focus on training and education. Both organizations will work on joint research initiatives and seek funding opportunities, especially in the Northeastern region.
Dr. Randhir Thakur, CEO and MD of TEPL, and Dr. M. M. Tripathi, Director General of NIELIT, signed the MoU.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the significance of NIELIT in supporting India’s ambitious goals of becoming a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing, AI, and Industry 4.0.
“The North East is the ‘New Engine’ driving the country’s growth,” he stated, emphasizing the role of the region in India’s development.
The Minister announced plans for a new NIELIT campus in Jagiroad, near Guwahati, which will focus on semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, further integrating Assam into the global technology supply chain.
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma echoed the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, projecting Assam as a future hub for semiconductor production.
“The world will soon rely on semiconductor chips that are ‘Made in India’ and ‘Made in Assam,’” he said, adding that the government swiftly approved land for the Jagiroad campus in a record time of just one day.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of fostering local talent to meet the growing demands of the semiconductor and electronics sectors, ensuring Assam’s active participation in the global technology landscape.
Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya described the launch of NIELIT Deemed University as a “historic moment.” The institution will offer advanced education in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Technology, Cybersecurity, Drone Technology, and Bioinformatics, creating a skilled workforce ready to meet industry demands.
Later in the day, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the Tata Semiconductor plant in Jagiroad to review the progress of the facility, which is expected to play a pivotal role in India’s semiconductor manufacturing landscape.
