Ministry Launches Semiconductor Training for Tribal Students with IISc Bengaluru Partnership

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs initiates a project to train 2,100 tribal students in semiconductor technology over three years with the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. This collaboration aims to boost education and job opportunities in tribal communities, reflecting the government's commitment to developing India's semiconductor ecosystem.

In a significant move, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has embarked on a project to educate tribal students in semiconductor technology, a crucial sector for modern electronic devices. Union Minister Durga Das Uikey announced the initiative in a written reply in Lok Sabha on Thursday.

The project, managed by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, aims to train 2,100 tribal students over the next three years. The ministry's objective is to offer NSQF-certified level 6.0 & 6.5 training in semiconductor technology to these students.

Basic and advanced training will be provided to 1,500 and 600 students respectively. Candidates with engineering degrees are eligible. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve education and career prospects for tribal communities, aligning with the government's vision to enhance the semiconductor ecosystem in India.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has established six large Nano centres, including IISc, to deliver training. These centres also offer short-term programs under the Indian Nanoelectronics Users' Programme (INUP) to boost skilled manpower in micro and nanoelectronics, launched a decade ago.

This joint program with IISc marks the first dedicated training initiative for tribal communities. Concurrently, the central government is making strides in the semiconductor industry with new projects. Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the development of three semiconductor units under the Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystems in India scheme.

In recent developments, Micron received approval to set up a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, and Tata's semiconductor unit's Bhumi Pujan was completed in Morigaon, Assam. Tata Electronics Pvt Ltd will invest Rs 27,000 crore in the facility, projected to create over 27,000 jobs.