TIRUVALLUR: Union electronics and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday announced the plans to set up two electronics manufacturing clusters in Tamil Nadu at Pillaipakkam (Kancheepuram) and Manalur (Tiruvallur) with a total investment of Rs 1,112 crore.
Speaking at an event here, the minister said very large electronics manufacturing clusters would be set up, and this would help Tamil Nadu’s ecosystem.
Department secretary S Krishnan told TOI the projects entail setting up common facilities such as testing, calibration under the electronics manufacturing clusters 2.0 scheme, with the Union govt providing 50% of the project cost or Rs 506 crore.
The EMC 2.0 scheme was so far announced for 10 places across seven states including two clusters each in Karnataka and Telangana.
Ashwini Vaishnaw said electronics had become the second largest exported goods overtaking many conventional items which have developed over decades. “This is made possible by the govt’s clear thinking and focused execution,” he said.
He urged the electronics companies in the country to aspire to grow bigger like the biggest global players.
Referring to the Qualcomm design centre, he said Chennai is hosting some of the best chip design facilities making complex chips. “Lead in that. That is good for the state and the country,” he said, adding intent to promote the design economy along with electronics manufacturing.
Earlier, speaking at the event, state industries minister T R B Raaja urged the minister to support Tamil Nadu in building a rapid transportation system. He said electronics exports in the state have increased manifold in the state.