DPDP Electronics and Chip Manufacturing Policies: Ashwini Vaishnaw highlights the new government’s top priorities

The Center is accelerating efforts to frame rules under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act and is keen to boost domestic electronics production, Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Saturday.

He stressed the government’s commitment to protecting data privacy and strengthening the country’s position in the global electronics manufacturing sector.

ACT ON THE PROTECTION OF DIGITAL PERSONAL DATA

The DPDP Act, which received presidential assent in August last year, aims to protect personal data. However, its implementation was delayed due to pending regulations. Vaishnaw said, “The work on the DPDP Regulations is at an advanced stage and industry consultations will begin soon.”

Stressing on a detailed and consultative approach, he assured that the process would not be rushed, reflecting the meticulous methodology used in the Telecommunications Act and the DPDP Act.

“(Right now) artificial intelligence is also an important topic. But first we need to ensure that the digital DPDP takes shape… The entire implementation process will be ‘digital by design’,” Vaishnaw said, emphasizing that the Data Protection Board and the Appellate Tribunal will function as digital privacy offices to effectively deal with issues related to in breach of personal data The Data Protection Board Platform is being developed concurrently by the National Informatics Center (NIC) and Digital India Corporation (DIC).

PRODUCTION OF ELECTRONICS AND SEMICONDUCTORS

Vaishnaw said the newly formed government is focusing on increasing production of electronics, components and semiconductors. With current electronics production valued at $120-130 billion and employing approximately 2-2.5 million people, the government aims to double that number within five years.

“As our journey has started with the slogan ‘atmanirbharata’, we are very focused on scaling up production and developing the component ecosystem in the country,” the Union minister said, noting strong interest from component manufacturers and plans to integrate them with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

He further explained that the government’s strategy is to establish production plants throughout the country, which will enable companies to choose optimal locations. Vaishnaw predicted that electronics production should grow to $200–300 billion, potentially doubling employment in the sector to 5 million people.

Vaishnaw further noted that India’s semiconductor manufacturing sector is growing with four approved factories – three in Gujarat and one in Assam. He confirmed that Micron and Tata are on track to produce chips on schedule, with support from state governments. In addition, cooperation has been established with international organizations such as the Singapore Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Taiwan Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to train skilled personnel for these plants.

Vaishnaw, however, acknowledged the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and deepfakes, describing them as major concerns for all countries. While he did not provide a detailed roadmap, he noted the government’s intention to set standards for the artificial intelligence sector in the coming months.

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had in March this year approved a comprehensive IndiaAI Mission at the national level with a budgetary outlay of Rs 10,371.92 crore in line with the vision of ‘Making Artificial Intelligence in India and Making Artificial Intelligence Work in India’.

Vaishnaw reiterated the government’s commitment to the new digital regulatory framework, which includes the Telecom Act, DPDP Act and the upcoming Digital India Act. This framework aims to protect society and democracy from the destructive potential of artificial intelligence and deepfakes, he said.