Nirmala Sitharaman Visits Tata Semiconductor Project

Staff Reporter, Assam Barta, 7 November:As part of a two-day official visit to Assam, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman traveled from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport to Jagiroad in Sonapur on Friday afternoon to inspect the progress of Tata Electronics’ mega semiconductor project. From 12 noon to 2:30 pm, the Minister reviewed the project’s advancements and later held discussions with local industrialists. This visit signals a new chapter in Assam’s industrial development.Upon arrival at the project site, students from Sankaradev Vidya Niketan welcomed the Union Finance Minister with a heartfelt rendition of the national song *Vande Mataram*. Following this, a special program titled **“Enterprise Assam – Viksit Bharat 2047”** was organized at the Tata Semiconductor project premises. During the event, Nirmala Sitharaman engaged in a dialogue with students, startup entrepreneurs, and senior industry leaders, discussing in detail the state’s industrial and investment potential.Highlighting the central government’s policies and support, she stated, **“Infrastructure in India is now being developed in such a way that it can be utilized by the common people.”**Delivering a speech on *Assam Advantage 2.0*, the Finance Minister remarked, **“The semiconductor facility in Jagiroad is not just an opportunity for Assam but for the entire Northeast. It sends a powerful message: *We can do it too.*”** Describing Assam as a **“land of new possibilities,”** she said the project is ushering the state into a **“golden moment of development.”**She also referenced the ₹1 lakh crore Research and Development Fund launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting that its benefits would be available to both public and private sectors, fostering an environment of innovation and employment in Assam.Present at the event were Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Water Resources and Information & Public Relations Minister Piyush Hazarika, Cultural Affairs Minister Bimal Borah, Morigaon MLA Ramakanta Dewri, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, District Commissioner Anamika Tewari, Tata Electronics CEO Dr. Randhir Thakur, and other dignitaries.Chief Minister Sarma praised the Union Finance Minister’s support, saying, **“The Tata Semiconductor facility marks the future of India’s advanced high-tech manufacturing and will reshape Assam’s industrial landscape while creating vast opportunities for our youth.”**Notably, this ₹27,000-crore mega project—whose foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2024—has already achieved **90% completion**. Given top priority, preparations are in full swing for its inauguration in **February**. Construction has accelerated with the use of cutting-edge technology, including robotic systems.The facility will produce **4.8 crore chips per day**, generating **15,000 direct** and **11,000–13,000 indirect** jobs. Through this initiative, Assam will not only become the industrial hub of the Northeast but also a driving force in India’s **‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’** and **‘Viksit Bharat 2047’** visions of innovation.This visit has inspired Assam’s youth to embrace entrepreneurship and established the state as a new center for high-tech manufacturing. The Finance Minister’s successful tour symbolizes the central government’s active commitment to the development of the Northeast.