Central Govt announces modernizing SCL with an outlay of Rs. 4,500 cr

Government of India’s continued commitment of INR 4,500 Cr to modernizing SCL Mohali marks a crucial step in strengthening the nation’s semiconductor foundation. 

IESA applauded vision and commitment of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Amitesh Kumar Sinha, CEO, ISM, and Kamaljeet Singh, Director General, SCL.

Ashok Chandak, President IESA, said that to ensure timely progress, it is imperative that the Centre and the Punjab Government work in close coordination to expedite land allotment and infrastructure clearances, avoiding delays and uncertainty. 

India can leverage SCL as a strategic enabler for the new product creations and support the FABless initiative. To begin with the SCL plant is expected to be modernized for 180nm node that has many business opportunities with 100X capacity creation. 

The successful 180nm setup can build confidence and next upgrades to lower technology nodes in future.

Importantly, a modern SCL can play a transformative role for India’s deep-tech and semiconductor startups by supporting pilot production, small-volume fabrication, and early-stage prototyping—turning ideas into market-ready products faster, locally, and securely. 

This capability is also vital for India’s strategic needs, especially in defense, aerospace, space, and other sensitive sectors that require trusted, indigenous semiconductor manufacturing.

SCL could also evolve into a national training and capacity-building center, providing EDA-tool access, hands-on workforce development, and strong collaboration with academia and industry to build India’s future semiconductor talent pool.

Stable policy and fiscal support under the India Semiconductor Mission will further enable SCL to scale, integrate with India’s broader supply chain, and contribute to the nation’s export and innovation goals. The consortium approach with CDAC, DRDO, ISRO, and State Government support will make SCL facility highly successful and Impactful.

IESA and it’s member companies reiterates its full support for this initiative and remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that SCL becomes a modern, high-impact, trusted facility that accelerates India’s semiconductor and strategic technology ambitions.