Assam: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said Assam is playing a key role in India’s technological transformation. Describing the semiconductor plant being built in Jagiroad as a historic “turning point” for the Northeast, she said the project is an excellent example of innovation-led development. Interacting with students, entrepreneurs, and startups at the “Enterprise Assam – Develop India 2047” event in Morigaon district, Sitharaman said this is a “golden opportunity” for Assam’s youth and they should take bold steps towards entrepreneurship. “Policies and funding are in place, but real development happens when an environment conducive to investment is created in new and untapped areas. Assam is now emerging as an emerging industrial hub,” she said.
Jagiroad’s semiconductor plant will become the hallmark of the Northeast.
Sitharaman said, “The Jagiroad semiconductor plant is opening new doors of opportunity not just for Assam, but for the entire Northeast. It sends the message—’We can do it too.'” She praised the OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) unit being set up by Tata Electronics in Jagiroad, calling it a major step towards India’s technological self-reliance.
The Finance Minister said the project will become one of the country’s most advanced manufacturing hubs and strengthen India’s “semiconductor ecosystem.” She noted that the project is already attracting global attention—”Many foreign professionals are joining the project without any formal invitation. This reflects the trust the people of Assam and the Tata Group have in both.”
₹1 lakh crore research fund for startups
Sitharaman emphasized India’s rapidly developing startup ecosystem and urged the youth of Assam to take advantage of it. She said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched a ₹1 lakh crore research and development fund. This is not just for government institutions, but also for private startups. From seed capital to the commercial stage, the government is ensuring that no good idea remains unfulfilled.” She urged students to join research institutes like IIT Guwahati and advance their ideas. “You have the mentorship, the framework, and the opportunity—just transform your thinking into entrepreneurship,” she said.
Assam to be a driving force for a ‘Developed India’
The Finance Minister said that the Jagiroad semiconductor plant will not only create employment opportunities but will also play a key role in technology transfer, setting global standards, and empowering local entrepreneurs. She said, “This unit will make Assam a leading state in the journey towards a ‘Developed India.’ Northeast India can emerge as the center of the country’s technological revolution.” Sitharaman advised the youth to break away from the traditional job mindset. “Assam’s youth shouldn’t be limited to salaried jobs. Take risks, innovate, and build your own companies. You now have both the right guidance and funding available,” he said. He concluded that if Assam’s youth seize this opportunity, the state could lead India’s technological development in the years to come.
