The Assam Government is set to welcome the defence industry with open arms soon. In an interview with a news channel, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled plans for the imminent launch of an incentive-driven defence manufacturing policy, slated to debut within months after the elections. He underlined that following the moves in petroleum refining and semiconductor production, nurturing the defence sector emerges as the State’s paramount agenda.
Tata Electronics’ recent announcement of a staggering ₹27,000 crore investment to establish a semiconductor assembly and testing facility in Assam’s Jagiroad stands as a testament to the region’s expanding industrial landscape. According to the CM, extensive deliberations with the Tata Group spanning nearly a year have paved the way for this crucial collaboration.
“All regulatory clearances are being given. I have heard that Tatas have already started producing chips in Karnataka on a pilot basis and supplying to customers. Tata Electronics has also taken possession of the land. We are fully aligned,” added the CM elaborating that alongside fiscal incentives, the Tata Group has also been granted concessions in land use.
Highlighting Assam’s semiconductor policy as surpassing those of Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and other States, CM Himanta asserted, “Any company benefiting from incentives under the Centre’s semiconductor policy will receive 50 per cent support from the government as a fiscal incentive.”
Discussing the rationale behind establishing the semiconductor industry in Assam amidst existing industries in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, CM Himanta mentioned on a social media post, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi aptly stated that the semiconductor industry is for the entire Northeastern Region not only for Assam. This Rs 27,000 crore-industry isn’t akin to cement, petroleum, or natural resource-based sectors; it is a different sector based on the future industry. The nation is on the cusp of a semiconductor and electronic revolution, and the Northeast is set to contribute 50 per cent to this revolution. In the foreseeable future, when one boards an electronic vehicle in the US, the semiconductor chips will be from the Northeast.”
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In a playful jab at the ‘Tookde Tookde Gang, which allegedly sought to sever the Chicken Neck, a narrow geographical corridor connecting the Northeast to the rest of Bharat, CM Himanta elaborated on his discussions with PM Modi regarding the forthcoming underground road linking Assam to West Bengal through this vital passage. Besides, the CM revealed, “The Defence Ministry and the National Highways Authority of India have secured clearance to construct a tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra, facilitating a four-lane road from Gohpur to Numaligarh. Such visionary endeavours exemplify PM Modi’s unwavering commitment to the progress of the Northeastern Region.”
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Regarding the forthcoming defence manufacturing policy, CM Himanta disclosed that Assam is meticulously studying the policies of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, with intentions to unveil an enhanced version soon. “We are steadfast in our commitment to bolster the defence sector and have initiated dialogues with key players in the industry,” he affirmed.
CM Himanta further asserted on the State’s strategic shift towards encouraging investments in futuristic technologies alongside conventional industries, aiming to position Assam as a nucleus for manufacturing cutting-edge technology. “We are exploring avenues to establish Assam as a focal point for mobile phone assembly,” he elaborated.
