PM Modi Praises Women Workforce at New Gujarat Chip Plant

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the vital role of young female technicians in India’s semiconductor mission during the inauguration of the CG Semi facility in Sanand.

SANAND, Gujarat — Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the CG Semi Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Sanand on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in India's journey toward becoming a global semiconductor hub. During his visit, the Prime Minister specifically commended the diverse, young workforce—particularly the influx of women engineers and technicians—powering the nation’s technological ambitions.

The facility, a cornerstone of the India Semiconductor Mission, represents a significant leap in domestic manufacturing capabilities. Addressing the attendees, the Prime Minister framed the development as a realization of his long-term vision for a self-reliant "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India).

Empowering the Next-Gen Workforce

A notable highlight of the inauguration was the Prime Minister's interaction with the facility's staff, many of whom are young professionals from across India, including tribal regions in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh. These employees, who underwent specialized semiconductor manufacturing training, are now operating advanced systems at the plant.

“These daughters with truly extraordinary dreams are today an integral part of the ‘Made in India’ chip manufacturing process,” the Prime Minister remarked. He praised their dedication, noting that many of these women—who had never traveled far from their hometowns—have now mastered complex, world-class manufacturing techniques. He cited their journey as a testament to the transformative power of the government’s skill development initiatives and the burgeoning electronics ecosystem.

Scaling Up Semiconductor Production

The CG Semi OSAT facility is designed to significantly boost India's production output. During the inaugural ceremony, officials shared that the plant has the immediate capacity to manufacture 200 million (20 crore) chips annually. The company has set an ambitious target to scale production to 5 billion (500 crore) chips per year in the near future, which would equate to roughly 15 million chips daily.

The facility is the result of a collaborative partnership involving technology partners from Japan and Thailand. Its successful commissioning marks the third semiconductor plant to begin commercial production in India within a six-month period, reflecting the rapid pace of the country’s industrial acceleration.

Strengthening the Electronics Value Chain

Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the semiconductor push should not be viewed in isolation. Instead, he described it as the "definitive next phase" of the electronics revolution that has unfolded in India over the past decade.

"First the product, then components, and now the semiconductor; this is the definitive next phase of Make in India," the Prime Minister stated. He highlighted that the country has already transformed from a mobile phone importer to the world's second-largest manufacturer and exporter of handsets, and is now extending that success to the foundational components of the global tech economy.

Official Sources

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) confirmed that the Sanand plant is an essential component of the India Semiconductor Mission, aimed at strengthening the country's position in the global supply chain. Officials from the government and project stakeholders, including CG Power, noted that the facility adheres to rigorous global qualification standards, facilitating exports to international markets including Japan.

Why It Matters

For India, the growth of a domestic semiconductor ecosystem is critical for strategic autonomy and economic growth. By building "semiconductor clusters"—similar to Silicon Valley or Hsinchu Science Park—the government aims to create lakhs of high-value jobs, reduce import dependency, and establish a robust foundation for AI, robotics, and next-generation telecommunications.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Production Capacity: The Sanand facility is currently equipped to produce 200 million chips annually, with a roadmap to reach 5 billion.

• Workforce Inclusion: A significant portion of the technical workforce comprises women from diverse backgrounds who received advanced training in semiconductor assembly and testing.

• Global Collaboration: The plant is a partnership model involving technological expertise from India, Japan, and Thailand.

• Sectoral Growth: The facility marks the third semiconductor unit to begin commercial production in India within the last six months.

FAQ

What is an OSAT facility?

An OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) facility is a critical link in the semiconductor value chain that focuses on assembling, packaging, and testing raw silicon chips into finished products.

Why is this facility significant for India's economy?

It strengthens domestic manufacturing, reduces reliance on global imports, supports critical sectors like AI and 5G, and creates high-value employment for young professionals.

What is the "Viksit Bharat" vision in this context?

The "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) vision includes building a complete electronics value chain—from design and manufacturing to packaging—to ensure India becomes a self-reliant global technological powerhouse by 2047.

Source:

• Press Information Bureau (PIB)

• Prime Minister's Office (PMO)

• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

• The Hindu

• The Times of India