The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has recently announced collaborations with Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and private institutions to boost skill development in India’s broadening semiconductor sector. This move comes as the nation seeks to establish itself as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing, supported by multinationals and domestic players.
S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, said, “There is significant work underway in skilling under the India Semiconductor Mission. We are engaging with institutions like IITs and private colleges to ensure skill availability in this space”. Recognizing the nascent stage of large-scale semiconductor manufacturing in India, Krishnan emphasized the government’s commitment to equipping the workforce with specialized training, including overseas programmes with advanced facilities.
Experts highlight the lack of locally available skilled talent as a critical challenge for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. The sector requires speciality materials, gases, substrates, and advanced equipment expertise. To address this, MeitY is actively developing targeted training programmes to bridge the talent gap.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has already approved five semiconductor projects under a national initiative to create a domestic semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem. The initiative, backed by a Rs 76,000 crore outlay under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), has facilitated partnerships with major global and domestic players, including US-based Micron Technology, Tata Electronics, Kaynes Semicon, CG Power, and Japanese partner Renesas Electronics Corporation.
ISM, which started in 2021, provides incentives and promotes strategic alliances to enhance semiconductor production facilities, packaging, testing, and crucial components. The mission aligns with India’s Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) aim, which was motivated by the necessity for a diverse supply chain following disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to industry estimates, India’s semiconductor market is projected to reach $109 billion by 2030. However, the lack of skilled talent has drawn concerns from global stakeholders, with a senior executive from Merck, a leading multinational, cautioning that this gap could hinder India’s ambitions.
MeitY’s training initiatives aim to address these challenges, ensuring a robust talent pool and fostering growth in India’s semiconductor ecosystem, a crucial component of its technological and economic aspirations.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology aims to promote e-government to empower citizens, promote the inclusive and sustainable growth of the Electronics, IT, and ITeS industries, enhance India’s role in Internet Governance, adopt a multipronged approach that includes human resource development, promote R&D and innovation, enhance efficiency through digital services, and ensure a secure cyberspace.
