By Imlisanen Jamir
In 2021, semiconductors were the oil of the digital age. Essential, invisible, and taken for granted—until they weren’t. A global shortage turned these tiny wafers of silicon into the story behind every stalled car production line, every overpriced graphics card, and every frustrated consumer hunting for the latest tech. Fast-forward to today, and while headlines trumpet India’s ambitious strides in semiconductor manufacturing, the underlying dynamics remain as precarious as ever.
The news about development of a semiconductor unit in Morigaon, Assam, is worth a closer look. Spearheaded by Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd (TSAT), the development of this new plant so close to us is a chance to rethink our future. Too often, conversations about our state’s economy center on what we lack: industries, infrastructure, or connectivity.
But in a rapidly digitizing world, our greatest asset may lie in our people’s adaptability. Young Nagas are tech-savvy, quick to learn, and deeply connected to the global digital culture. Pair that with the state’s growing emphasis on education and skill development, and we’re looking at a potential workforce that could plug directly into India’s semiconductor ambitions.
When I wrote an editorial on this same issue, titled ‘The Chips are Down’ in 2021, the world was grappling with pandemic-induced disruption. Automakers had bet wrong, cutting chip orders as demand for cars seemed poised to plummet. Instead, people ditched buses for personal vehicles, and the industry scrambled to make up for lost time. Meanwhile, the homebound masses turned to gaming and cryptocurrency, driving unprecedented demand for GPUs. Supply couldn’t keep up. The chip shortage was a masterclass in how a seemingly niche industry could ripple across economies.
Today, the world looks different, but the underlying pressures haven’t vanished. Semiconductor production is still the most intricate, capital-intensive process you can imagine. Building fabs (fabrication plants) takes years and billions of dollars. The supply chain, from design to testing, is a labyrinth of logistics, all operating at razor-thin margins of error.
But this time, there’s a bigger picture at stake. Semiconductors aren’t just chips; they’re the foundation of the future economy. For Nagaland and the Northeast, investing in this sector could mean breaking out of the cycle of dependency. It could mean becoming contributors to a larger, national vision while preserving our unique identity and values.
So, what’s next? First, we need to prioritize education and skills. If semiconductors are the future, then STEM education, vocational training, and partnerships with industry leaders should be our present. Second, our leaders must ensure that the Northeast isn’t left out of India’s semiconductor plans. We need policies that actively promote investment and job creation in our region.
This plant isn’t just about tech—it’s about transformation. For once, let’s not watch the future pass us by. Let’s build it, chip by chip, here in Nagaland.
Comments can be sent to imlisanenjamir@gmail.com
