Key Points

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh refuted PM Modi's claim that India missed semiconductor opportunities for decades, pointing to the 1983 launch of Semiconductors Complex Ltd. Modi had criticized past governments for delaying semiconductor progress while announcing domestic chip production by 2024. The government recently approved four new semiconductor plants worth Rs 4,600 crore. The debate highlights India's push to become a global semiconductor hub amid supply chain shifts.

Key Points: Jairam Ramesh Counters Modi on 1983 Semiconductors Complex Claim

  • Ramesh cites 1983 Semiconductors Complex launch in Chandigarh
  • Modi claimed India lost 60 years in semiconductor progress
  • Govt announces made-in-India chips by year-end
  • Four new semiconductor units approved with Rs 4,600 crore investment
3 min read

Semiconductors Complex Ltd started ops in 1983: Congress's Jairam Ramesh refutes PM Modi's I-Day speech

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh refutes PM Modi's I-Day semiconductor remarks, citing 1983 Semiconductors Complex launch in Chandigarh.

"One more example of what a pathological liar Modi is – Jairam Ramesh"

New Delhi, August 15

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Friday refuted the Independence Day remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which criticised the post-independence Congress governments in India for "killing the idea of semiconductor in the womb." Dismissing the remarks as "one more example of what a pathological liar Modi is", he said that Semiconductors Complex Ltd, established in Chandigarh, started operations in 1983.

PM Narendra Modi had in his address to the nation today said, "When we speak of different aspects of technology, I draw your attention to semiconductors, as an example. I am not at the Red Fort to criticise any government; I do not want to do it. But the youth of the country should know about it. File work on semiconductors began 50-60 years ago in our country. The idea of a semiconductor factory came forth 50-60 years ago. You would be surprised to know that the idea of the semiconductor was killed in the womb 50-60 years ago. We lost 50-60 years..."

The Prime Minister also announced that made-in-India semiconductor chips will be available in the market by the end of this year, marking a major milestone in India's technological journey.

"To the youth of the nation and to those around the world who understand India's technological strength, I want to say this: by the end of this very year, 'Made-in-India' chips will be available in the market," the Prime Minister declared, underlining the government's push to make India self-reliant in semiconductor manufacturing.

"We broke free from that burden and took the semiconductor initiative forward in mission mode. Six different units are now being set up on the ground. We've already given the green light to four of them. To the youth of the nation and to those around the world who understand India's technological strength, I want to say this: by the end of this very year, 'Made-in-India' chips will be available in the market," he added.

He emphasised that the current government has broken away from that legacy and is moving forward in mission mode to develop a strong domestic semiconductor ecosystem.

The announcement comes at a time when India is seeking to position itself as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing amid growing geopolitical shifts and supply chain realignments.

In a significant push to India's chip-making ambitions, the Centre approved four new semiconductor manufacturing projects with a total investment of Rs 4,600 crore under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). These semiconductor units will be set up in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who worked at SCL Chandigarh in the 90s, I can confirm we had semiconductor capabilities. But let's be honest - the scale and ambition today is completely different. Both statements have some truth!
R
Rohit P
Made-in-India chips by year end? That's ambitious! Hope this isn't another Jumla. We've heard big promises before. Action speaks louder than words - let's see actual production first.
S
Sarah B
The geopolitical timing is perfect for India to become a semiconductor hub. Instead of fighting over credit, our leaders should focus on attracting more global investments in this sector. China+1 strategy is real opportunity!
V
Vikram M
Fact check: SCL Chandigarh did exist but couldn't compete globally. Today's semiconductor push has proper scale and policy support. Old wine in new bottle won't work - we need cutting-edge fabs!
K
Kavya N
As an engineering student, I'm excited about job opportunities in semiconductor sector! But government must ensure proper skill development programs are in place. Degree alone won't be enough for this high-tech field.

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