According to Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Railways, drafting of rules under Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act is in advanced stages with industry-wide consultations slated soon. In addition, regulatory work will see good continuity and the agenda on digital regulatory framework remains intact. The timelines for semiconductor plants of Micron and Tata Group too are on track.
Vaishnaw highlighted that the process of implementation of DPDP Act will be based on digital-by-design principle, paving the way for a new way of working, on which, the work is moving in parallel. Such a platform or portal will be created in-house by the likes of National Informatics Centre (NIC) and District Industries Centre (DIC).
Vaishnaw stated that he has reviewed the work-in-progress on data protection rules and is happy with the outcomes. However, there will be tweaks and changes based on industry and stakeholder views.
As per Vaishnaw, the other big priority for the ministry is in the area of electronics production where India has set its sight on becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse and a good and clear picture on this would emerge in coming three-four months.
Moreover, while Micron’s plant will ensure made in India memory chip, progress on other plants is also good. Chief ministers of Assam and Gujarat have assured their full support on all aspects and are taking keen interest in ongoing projects.
Vaishnaw further stated that manpower training is moving in tandem as India looks to build a formidable skills base in areas of chip manufacturing. Some universities are also being empanelled by manufacturers themselves for building a skilled pool of manpower.
Vaishnaw also noted that India’s electronics production is currently pegged at roughly $ 125-130 billion with employment numbers at 2-2.5 million.
As per him, India will also have a massive ecosystem of electric vehicles (EVs) in coming three-four years. On regulations, Vaishnav stated that there is a good continuity and government’s thought process of creating new digital regulatory framework is intact. The overall structure in terms of the Telecom Act, DPDP, and draft Digital India Bill remains intact.
