NEW DELHI: In 2024, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) made significant strides in advancing India’s digital landscape, focusing on semiconductor manufacturing, AI innovation, skill development, and global partnerships. These initiatives are set to strengthen India’s position as a global technology leader while promoting inclusive development, the government said on Friday.
Semiconductor Manufacturing Milestones
Under the Semicon India Programme, the government approved four semiconductor manufacturing units, attracting investments totaling ₹1,29,537 crore. Key projects include:
- Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL): Two facilities with a combined investment of ₹1,18,646 crore, leveraging advanced semiconductor packaging technologies.
- CG Power and Industrial Solutions: An OSAT facility established in partnership with global players like Renesas Electronics and STARS Microelectronics, investing ₹7,584 crore.
- Kaynes Technology India Limited (KTIL): A facility in Gujarat with a production capacity of over 6.33 million chips daily, set up with ₹3,307 crore investment.
These projects collectively aim to bolster India’s domestic semiconductor ecosystem, reducing dependence on imports.AI Leadership and Innovation
India solidified its position as a global AI leader by hosting the 6th GPAI Ministerial Council in New Delhi, becoming the outgoing chair in 2025. Highlights include:
- IndiaAI Mission: The development of the National AI Portal (INDIAai), a comprehensive resource hub for AI-related innovations, startups, and research.
- AIRAWAT Initiative: Establishing an AI supercomputing platform ranked 75th globally, with a compute capacity of 200 petaflops, scalable to 790 petaflops.
- Launch of the National Program on Artificial Intelligence, focusing on AI ethics, skilling, and governance.
Skill Development and Digital Inclusion
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA): Trained 6.39 crore individuals, exceeding the target of 6 crore.
Special skill development programs for 18,209 youth from SC/ST and EWS categories across 81 aspirational districts, empowering them for employment and entrepreneurship.
BHASHINI Initiative: Bridging language barriers with translation services in 22 Indian languages, delivering over 100 million monthly inferences.Boosting Electronics Manufacturing
The EMC 2.0 Scheme enabled the establishment of electronic manufacturing clusters across India:
- Telangana: A New Energy Park attracting ₹10,574 crore investments and generating 19,164 jobs.
- Tamil Nadu: An EMC poised to generate 36,300 jobs with ₹8,737 crore investment.
- Karnataka: A Mysuru cluster drawing ₹1,560 crore investments and creating 19,500 jobs.
Additionally, nine projects under the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS) were approved, with a total investment of ₹7,960 crore, creating 15,710 jobs.
Supercomputing for Research
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched three PARAM Rudra supercomputers, enhancing research capabilities in physics, earth sciences, and cosmology.
Global Collaborations and Future Prospects
India’s leadership in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) and the robust implementation of the Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters Scheme underscore its commitment to fostering technological growth.
MeitY’s 2024 achievements reflect India’s vision of becoming a global tech powerhouse while ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all, MeitY added.
