Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday inaugurated the state’s first semiconductor cluster in Bhiwadi and said work on the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) connecting Rajasthan to Delhi via Haryana, along with the implementation of the Yamuna Water Agreement, is progressing rapidly.
Addressing a virtual event for multiple development projects in Bhiwadi and Khairthal-Tijara, Sharma said the state government is aggressively pushing industrial growth through policy reforms, infrastructure expansion, and renewable energy initiatives. By implementing 35 policies over the past two years, the state government has fostered a conducive industrial environment, a significant stride towards realising the vision of 'Developed India, Developed Rajasthan by 2047'.
The Chief Minister was addressing a programme on Friday, held via video conferencing from his official residence, for the laying of foundation stones and dedication of various projects, including the Alcina Electronics Complex and a 34 Million Litres per Day (MLD) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Bhiwadi, as well as various development works in the Khairthal-Tijara district.
Meanwhile, alongside the expedited implementation of the Yamuna Water Agreement, the government is also set to establish a major industrial zone in Bandikui, near Alwar. Referring to the semiconductor cluster in Bhiwadi, he hailed it as a significant achievement.
Under this initiative, the state government is currently formulating a blueprint for rural development that integrates cultural heritage, environmental considerations, and local requirements. He further noted that, with a view to facilitating rural youth, the state government has taken the crucial decision to establish 'Atal Gyan Kendras' (Atal Knowledge Centres) at the panchayat level.
The Chief Minister affirmed that, in line with public aspirations, the state government has accorded top priority to meeting electricity and water requirements. Furthermore, farmers across 24 districts are now being provided with electricity during daytime hours.
He added that, in its endeavour to fulfil its pledge to generate 400,000 jobs, the state government has not only provided employment to over 125,000 youths but has also released a recruitment calendar for an additional 125,000 positions. Meanwhile, the appointment process for over 135,000 posts is currently underway.
Union Minister for Railways and Electronics, Ashwini Vaishnaw, remarked that the semiconductor industry is critical. Today, India boasts 12 semiconductor plants, where chips for various electronic devices are being manufactured. Rajasthan, too, has now joined the ranks of states associated with this industry.
Today, with a six-fold increase in growth, the value of electronics manufacturing in India has reached Rs 13 lakh crore. Furthermore, mobile phones have emerged as India's number one export commodity. The Union Minister further stated that 75 projects have been approved under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme.
He stated that the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster in Bhiwadi involves an investment of Rs 1,200 crore. This initiative is expected to generate approximately 2,500 jobs. The plant is projected to manufacture 60 million chips annually. He further mentioned that, under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme, 85 railway stations are being constructed across Rajasthan, 15 of which have already been completed.
Similarly, the grand railway station in Alwar will be equipped with state-of-the-art modern amenities. Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, announced the inauguration of a 34 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant in Bhiwadi, constructed at a cost of Rs 61 crore.
Additionally, the foundation stone was laid for a treated water pipeline associated with the 34 MLD STP, involving an investment exceeding Rs 52 crore. He affirmed their commitment to establishing Bhiwadi as a prominent manufacturing hub on the national map. He stated that Bhiwadi would be rapidly advancing in semiconductors and electronics manufacturing, alongside its existing strengths in the automobile industry.