The New Year began on a positive note for Assam when on January 3, 2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the State and launched a series of developmental initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity in railways, roadways, and information technology.
The day began with the Union Minister flagging off three new trains: the Guwahati-New Lakhimpur Janshatabdi Express, the New Bongaigaon–Guwahati Passenger Train, and the Tinsukia–Naharlagun Express. He also inaugurated the Tetelia Road Over Bridge (ROB) marking a key infrastructure improvement in the region.
Further strengthening Assam’s connectivity, the Union Minister dedicated a new 10 KW FM Transmitter at Akashvani Kokrajhar, a move set to benefit the locals. Additionally, he, along with Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, virtually inaugurated the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) as a deemed university. This new institute spans 12 locations, including five across the North Eastern States. As part of the programme, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NIELIT and Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL).
The Union Minister also visited the under-construction site for the upcoming semiconductor plant in Jagiroad, where he took stock of the project’s progress. Additionally, he performed the Bhumi Pujan for a Water Supply Project in Jagiroad.
In his address, Vaishnaw hailed the North East as a “new engine of growth” for India. He said, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has presented the powerful form of Digital India to the world, establishing India as the nerve centre of electronics and manufacturing.”
On the new FM transmitter in Kokrajhar, he emphasized its significance for the locals stating “Fulfilling the long-pending demand of the Bodo brothers and sisters, the FM Transmitter will benefit residents across Kokrajhar and neighbouring districts. Now, FM radio will be accessible to the public.”
In a post on social media, the Union Minister shared his excitement about the project: “Assam accelerates India’s semiconductor journey, realizing PM Narendra Modi ji’s vision of building a world-class semiconductor ecosystem. The progress at the Tata semiconductor plant is on track to produce ‘Made in India, Made in Assam’ chips by 2026. This project positions the Northeast as a key player in the semiconductor supply chain.”
Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed optimism about the new NIELIT Deemed University in Jagiroad, which will be a hub for advancing knowledge in fields such as semiconductors, quantum physics, and AI. “This university will teach our children about the future of technology, empowering them to take on roles in the growing semiconductor and tech sectors,” he stated.
Dr. Sarma also shared a vision of global impact, saying, “From Assam to America, ‘Made in Assam’ semiconductor chips will power cars in the United States.”
Reflecting on the importance of these projects, he added, “Digital revolution is the cornerstone of realizing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s dream of a developed India by 2047. The semiconductor project in Jagiroad is progressing full throttle, while the construction of NIELIT also ensures that our youth gain valuable skills for the future.”
The Chief Minister called for collective efforts to position Assam and the country as leaders in semiconductor technology and innovation, offering ample opportunities for the youth locally and globally.
Assam Cabinet Minister and Jagiroad MLA Pijush Hazarika highlighted that the semiconductor plant would provide employment to approximately 29,000 youths, playing a key role in the State’s industrial development, “The NIELIT University, noting its potential to significantly enhance technical education in Assam.”
