Tribal ITI Graduates Spearhead India's Domestic Semiconductor Production in Sanand

Technical Skills Bridge Rural-Industrial Divide

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated commercial production at the CG Semi Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Sanand on Saturday, highlighting a significant shift in India's industrial workforce. Central to this project are women like Poonam Kumari, Priyanka Dhanwar, and Shivani Uikey. These operators, originating from the tribal belts of Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, represent a new generation of technicians trained specifically for high-tech manufacturing.

The transition for these women involved moving from local Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to an intensive overseas program in Malaysia. For many, this was their first encounter with international travel. Ms. Dhanwar, hailing from West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, became the first in her family to secure a passport and travel abroad. Similarly, Ms. Kumari, from Giridih, had never crossed her state border before the semiconductor program commenced.

Overcoming Educational and Language Barriers

The specialized training required to operate an OSAT facility necessitated bridging language and technical gaps. Despite the complexity of semiconductor physics, trainers in Malaysia adapted their curriculum to accommodate the recruits. Participants noted several key factors that facilitated their success:

• Multilingual Instruction: Instructors used Hindi to explain complex manufacturing stages, ensuring those from vernacular backgrounds could grasp the nuances of the hardware.
• Hands-on Methodology: Practical demonstrations replaced theoretical lectures, allowing the operators to master machinery used in global production lines.
• Institutional Support: Programs targeted individuals from traditional vocational backgrounds, specifically aiming to integrate ITI graduates into the electronics sector.

Social Impact and National Strategy

During the plant walkthrough, the Prime Minister noted that these operators explained the intricate stages of chip production with technical precision. He observed that the perception of vocational education is evolving as students from ordinary backgrounds enter the world’s most advanced technology sectors. Shivani Uikey, from Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, recounted the emotional weight of this achievement, describing her parents' reaction to her role in a sector traditionally dominated by urban engineers.

This facility in Sanand serves as a cornerstone of the central government's initiative to reduce reliance on imported electronics. By training a workforce sourced from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, the program aims to distribute the economic benefits of the 'Made in India' silicon push across diverse geographic regions.

Source: The Hindu — Home