Centres to announce new policy on Semi-conductor by month end

Bangalore, Nov 6 (UNI) Union Information Technology Minister Dayanidhi Maran today hinted that the new policy on the Semi-conductor Manufacturing will be rolled out by this month end.

Speaking to media here after witnessing the Memorandum of Understanding signing event between SemIndia and Belgium based IMEC intended to partner each other for research on next-generation semiconductor technologies, Mr Maran said the Information Technology and Finance Ministry are formulating the policy and cabinet note was being finalised. The policy, among other things, also included extending incentives to the Semiconductor industry, building of infrastructure facilities.

''The demands and requests of the Indian Semiconductor Association and industries were also incorporated in the proposed policy. It is just a formality to complete and on the way,'' he said.

Mr Maran said the Centre had decided to support only cutting-edge technology and was not prepared to extend cooperation to manufacture the second-hand technology. India had come closely to manufacture the cutting-edge Semiconductor technology products including LCD Plasma TVs, Wafers, storage devices and other related products.

He said many foreign companies had shown interests for investment besides Indian scientists and technocrats and were waiting for the announcement of the Policy, he said.

The Union minister also informed that his ministry was in favour of extending the Software Technology Parks of India and would submit a note soon. STPI, across the country, had done tremendous contribution in stregthening the Small and Medium Enterprises, hence his ministry had decided to extend its activities, he added.

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