Guwahati, Jan 3: Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced plans to establish Assam and the Northeast as hubs for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NIELIT (National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology) and Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd. at Guwahati Railway Station on Friday, the Minister outlined the government’s vision and said that the NIELIT University at Jagiroad will focus in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing education.
Apart from the main campus in Jagiroad, 11 additional campuses are planned, including in Imphal, Itanagar, Agartala and Aizwal. Vaishnaw emphasized the university’s role in aligning education with industry needs, a core idea of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bridge academia and industry.
“The initiative aims to make Assam-made semiconductors globally significant, with potential use in automobiles manufactured in countries like Germany and the U.S. The university will teach students of Assam on electronics manufacturing, semiconductor technology, cloud computing, and cybersecurity,” he said.
Stating that the Centraal is planning to make Assam a new IT and manufacturing hub, Vaishnaw highlighted that engineers from Assam already excel in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, which inspired investment in the IT and electronics sectors in the Northeast.
He described Assam and the Northeast as the “land of Astalakshmi” and a new engine for India’s growth. He claimed the budget for the Northeast has been increased from ₹24,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹1.25 lakh crore in 2024-25.
He further claimed allocations for railway development in Northeast rose from ₹2,000 crore in 2013-14 to ₹10,000 crore in 2024-25, with a focus on connecting all districts, constructing new tracks, and building bridges.
Vaishnaw commended Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his proactive initiatives in railways, IT, and semiconductor sectors. He described the collaboration between the state and central governments as a “double-engine government” driving rapid development in the region.
The Union Minister lauded Prime Minister Modi’s efforts in transforming India into a global leader in electronics manufacturing, semiconductor production, and digital technology, with the Northeast poised to become a critical player in this transformation.
In the same function, Vaishnaw also flagged off three newly introduced train services, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and passenger convenience in Assam and nearby areas.
He flagged off – train No. 55818/55817: Guwahati – New Bongaigaon – Guwahati Daily Passenger, train No. 15911/15912: Tinsukia – Naharlagun – Tinsukia Tri-weekly Express and train No. 12047/12048: Guwahati – North Lakhimpur – Guwahati Bi-weekly Jan Shatabdi Express.
The minister highlighted the importance of these services in improving travel options for residents and supporting regional development. Vaishnaw also inaugurated a new FM transmitter at Akashvani Kokrajhar, which is expected to benefit over 30 lakh residents in Kokrajhar, Dhubri, Bongaigaon, and Chirang districts.
This development promises improved access to clearer and higher-quality FM broadcasts, enhancing the reach of public information and entertainment in the region.
The NIELIT, a premier institution under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, signed an MoU with Tata Electronics Pvt. Ltd. during a programme.
The documents were exchanged in the presence of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
NIELIT has been recognized as a Deemed-to-be University under a distinct category by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The main campus is in Ropar, with 11 constituent units located in Agartala, Aizawl, Ajmer, Aurangabad, Calicut, Imphal, Itanagar, Kohima, Gorakhpur, Patna, and Srinagar.
The university aims to redefine learning in digital and emerging technologies through undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs. Key focus areas include Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductor design & manufacturing, cyber security & forensics, Internet of Things (IoT), Automotive Electronics, Machine Learning (ML) and Blockchain Technology.
The curriculum will be developed in collaboration with the industry, ensuring students acquire industry-relevant skills. The programme was attended by Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, MPs Rameswar Teli, Dilip Kumar Saikia, and Bijuli Kalita Medhi, State Ministers Ranoj Pegu and Jogen Mohan and Chief Secretary Ravi Kota.
NF Railway general manager Chetan Kumar Srivastava gave the welcome address, while NILIT director Madan Mohan Tripathi offered the vote of thanks.
