The Chhattisgarh Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) to accelerate the development of the state’s Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) ecosystem. The agreement was formalized at the exclusive Chhattisgarh Investor Connect roadshow in Bengaluru in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Singh Deo.
Shri Rajat Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Commerce & Industries, Government of Chhattisgarh, and Shri Ashok Chandak, President, IESA, signed the MoU, marking a significant step towards fostering a conducive business environment and positioning Chhattisgarh as a key player in emerging technologies.
Under this partnership, IESA will support the state in attracting investments, promoting innovation, and facilitating ease of doing business. The industry body will work closely with the Department of Commerce and Industries to set up Incubation Centers and Talent development and skilling in Naya Raipur or other designated locations, leveraging IESA’s proven models. Additionally, IESA will assist in securing grants and developing sustainable business frameworks to ensure these incubation centers become self-sufficient within 5-7 years. To further strengthen Chhattisgarh’s presence in the global ESDM sector, IESA will play a strategic role in establishing Common Facility Centers (CFCs) and Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs) while fostering industry-academia collaboration. The MoU also outlines plans for hosting national and international ESDM events in the state, enhancing global visibility and long-term industry sustainability.
The MoU was exchanged at the Investor Connect event, attended by senior government officials, including: Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan, Hon’ble Minister, Commerce and Industries, Govt. of Chhattisgarh, Shri Subodh Singh, Principal Secretary, Chhattisgarh CMO, Shri Prabhat Malik, Director, Dept. of Commerce & Industries, Govt. of Chhattisgarh, Ms. Ritu Sain (IAS), Investment Commissioner, Govt. of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishwesh Kumar, MD, CSIDC, Govt. of Chhattisgarh and Hundreds of industry leaders and investors
Leaders Speak on the Collaboration
Shri Rajat Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Commerce & Industries, Chhattisgarh, highlighted the state’s industrial legacy, stating: “Chhattisgarh has played a crucial role in India’s infrastructure growth by meeting demands for steel, cement, minerals, and power. As India moves toward becoming a global hub for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, it is imperative for us to strengthen our ESDM footprint. This partnership with IESA marks the beginning of a new growth chapter, positioning Chhattisgarh to contribute significantly to the nation’s semiconductor and manufacturing ambitions.”
Shri Ashok Chandak, President, IESA, emphasized the association’s commitment to fostering innovation and industry growth, saying: “We are honored to be Chhattisgarh’s knowledge partner in shaping its ESDM landscape. With the collective expertise of IESA members, which include major corporations from India and abroad, we will drive the implementation of industry-friendly policies, skill development, and innovation. Our goal is to establish a thriving, sustainable technology ecosystem in the state towards contribution to the national agenda.”
Dr. V. Veerappan, Chairman, IESA, underscored the focus on policy engagement and industry-academia collaboration, stating: “This partnership will ensure that Chhattisgarh’s semiconductor and ESDM policies align with industry needs. IESA will also organize periodic industry-academia discussions, facilitating knowledge sharing, research collaborations, and addressing sector-specific challenges.”
Strengthening the State’s Global ESDM Engagement
Later in the day, IESA led a Semiconductor Industry delegation in an exclusive roundtable discussion with Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Singh Deo and senior state officials. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to:
- Enhancing Chhattisgarh’s global ESDM engagement
- Promoting talent development and skill-building initiatives
- Establishing incubation centers and fabless entities
- Creating a sustainable ecosystem for innovation and investment
This strategic collaboration is set to unlock new opportunities for Chhattisgarh, driving the state’s transformation into a key player in India’s electronics and semiconductor industry.