Chhattisgarh to Emerge as Central India’s Hub for Technology and Innovation: CM Sai

Raipur, November 7

Chief Minister Vishnu Detoday inaugurated the two-day national symposium “Make in Silicon” at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Naya Raipur, marking the 10th Foundation Day of the institution. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the event as a pivotal step toward advancing India’s journey in semiconductor manufacturing and technological self-reliance.

The Chief Minister noted that Chhattisgarh is celebrating its Silver Jubilee year while the nation marks the 150th anniversary of the song Vande Mataram. Extending greetings to the people of the state and the IIIT community, he said the institution, named after eminent educationist Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, symbolizes the fusion of education, unity, and industrial progress essential for national development.

Shri Sai highlighted India’s rapid march toward technological independence under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “India has achieved historic progress through the Semiconductor Mission, electronics manufacturing, and chip design initiatives,” he said. “This mission is not just about infrastructure—it is about empowering youth and fueling innovation.”

The Chief Minister emphasized that semiconductors form the backbone of modern life, powering mobile phones, satellites, defense systems, and artificial intelligence. He said initiatives like Make in Silicon would provide crucial momentum to India’s chip revolution. “Chhattisgarh is fully prepared to play an active role in this national mission,” he declared.

He further added that the state’s new Industrial Policy includes special provisions for the semiconductor sector. “Chhattisgarh offers skilled human resources, robust industrial infrastructure, uninterrupted power supply, and a conducive environment for technological growth,” he said. “The foundation stone has already been laid for a semiconductor unit in Naya Raipur, which will generate direct and indirect employment for the youth. Naya Raipur is being developed as a hub for IT and innovation.”

The Chief Minister also referred to the state’s Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision Document, which focuses on sustainable development and identifies semiconductors as a priority area. “The state government is now emphasizing not only the Ease of Doing Business but also the Speed of Doing Business,” he added.

Welcoming experts, academicians, and representatives from across the country, Shri Sai said the symposium would benefit not just Chhattisgarh but the entire nation. “Let us work together to make Chhattisgarh the center of knowledge, technology, and innovation in Central India and contribute actively to India’s Semiconductor Mission,” he urged.

Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary, addressing the gathering, recalled his student days when Chhattisgarh lacked a single national-level institution. “Due to the visionary leadership of former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh, we now have premier institutions such as IIT, IIM, HNLU, AIIMS, NIT, and IIIT in the state,” he said. “These institutions have given Chhattisgarh a new identity in higher education and research.”

He observed that the state has immense potential in education and technology today. “We live in an era driven by technology,” he remarked. “The recent global disruption caused by Microsoft’s server outage shows how deeply technology influences our lives, economy, and global systems. We must prepare now to face such challenges.”

Encouraging students, he said, “Innovation, skill, and competence will determine your true value in the future. Great achievements come only to those who continually refine their abilities. Change begins with vision, determination, and consistent effort.” Citing South Korea’s technological transformation, he added, “We too must invest heavily in education, technology, and research to achieve self-reliance.”

The Finance Minister called upon the youth to make technical proficiency, research, and creative thinking the foundation of their lives. “The future belongs to those who transform knowledge and innovation into strength,” he concluded.

Higher Education Minister TankRam Verma described the Make in Silicon symposium as a major initiative toward making India self-reliant in the semiconductor and industrial sectors. “Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, our educational institutions are playing a vital role in promoting research and innovation in this field,” he said. “Under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s leadership, the state government is continuously working to strengthen higher education and the technology ecosystem. Your innovation and determination will take India’s technological identity to new heights,” he told the students.

IIIT Naya Raipur Director Prof. Om Prakash Vyas presented an overview of the institute’s achievements over the past decade, emphasizing its focus on teaching, research, and innovation aligned with the concept of Developed India. He said the institute is advancing skill development and capacity building through industry-driven projects and advanced technical training.

The event was attended by Prof. Mukul Sutawane, Director of IIIT Allahabad; Prof. Santosh Vishwakarma of IIT Indore; Shri Manoj Kumar Majumdar; distinguished academicians; and a large number of students.

Notably, Make in Silicon – The National Symposium on Indigenous Semiconductor Infrastructure is being organized by the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) at IIIT Naya Raipur, led by its Microelectronics and VLSI Design Group. The symposium aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor capabilities and promote the development of a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem.

It serves as a vibrant platform for collaboration among academia, industry, and research institutions to advance innovation and knowledge exchange—paving the way for India’s leadership in the global semiconductor arena.

The discussions focus on cutting-edge technologies in VLSI design and microelectronics, including nanoelectronics, MEMS, quantum devices, and academia-industry partnerships. Progress in these areas will not only drive technological innovation but also bridge the gap between research and industrial growth.

Under the National Semiconductor Mission, this initiative seeks to accelerate self-reliance and innovation in semiconductor equipment, packaging, and flexible electronics. With active participation from policymakers, researchers, and startups, the symposium emphasizes skill development, supply-chain strengthening, and sustainable manufacturing. The event aligns with the spirit of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission, marking a significant stride toward establishing India as a global hub for semiconductor innovation and production.