Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 17 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the journey of Central Electronics Limited (CEL) as a symbol of India’s industrial revival and self-reliance, stating that it represents a key part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047. He said that through institutions like CEL, the new India is progressing with strength, technology, and confidence, according to an official statement.

CM Yogi, along with Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, laid the foundation stone for the CEL-ESDS Green Data Centre in Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, on Thursday.

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the development of the new greenfield data centre by CEL, calling it a significant step towards achieving the goal of net-zero emissions by 2070. He also noted that Uttar Pradesh aims to generate 20,000 megawatts of renewable energy by 2027, with CEL playing a key role in this mission.

At the Golden Jubilee celebration of CEL and the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the new data centre, CM Yogi participated in the puja and visited an exhibition detailing the operations of the data centre. He also planted a sapling as part of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.

During the event, CEL handed over a dividend cheque worth INR 21 crore to the Government of India. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between CEL and Multi Infra for a 200 MW solar module project.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister described CEL’s 50-year journey as an inspiring success story. He said the company has entered the Amrit Kaal and is playing a crucial role in fulfilling Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed India. He recalled that CEL had once faced an uncertain future and was even listed for disinvestment.

‘However, today CEL has become a profit-making “Mini Ratna” company and is handing over dividends to the government. This change is an inspiration for Atmanirbhar (Self-Reliant) India,’ he said.

The CM praised CEL for its innovations across various sectors such as railways, defence, renewable energy, and education. He highlighted CEL’s contributions to smart classrooms, signalling systems, renewable energy modules, and defence equipment.

He pointed out that CEL manufactured India’s first solar photovoltaic module in 1974 and is now setting up the country’s first greenfield data centre. Referring to the Defence Manufacturing Corridor, he added that equipment for BrahMos missiles is also being produced with support from organisations like CEL.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, CM Yogi said that BrahMos and Akash missiles were recently used against Pakistan. ‘We can say that the capacity of both these missiles has been “tested” in Pakistan and “trusted” worldwide,’ he remarked.

The Chief Minister also linked CEL’s progress to the evolving image of Uttar Pradesh. He stated that in the past eight years, the state's economy has grown 2.5 times and that six crore people have been lifted out of poverty. He said that investors, once hesitant, are now eager to invest in Uttar Pradesh.

‘Today, Uttar Pradesh is becoming the growth engine of the country,’ he said. Out of INR 50 lakh crore worth of investment proposals, projects worth INR 15 lakh crore have already begun production following groundbreaking ceremonies.

Commenting on CEL’s journey, the Chief Minister remarked, ‘Your childhood was good, then you faced some challenges in your youth, but now you have entered your Amrit Kaal.’ He described the Amrit Kaal as the next 25 years dedicated to making India self-reliant and developed.

He also emphasised the importance of linking educational institutions with industry, noting that Uttar Pradesh has world-class institutions like IITs, IIMs, universities, and central laboratories to support this goal.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh praised CEL’s legacy, stating that the company developed India’s first solar cell in 1970 and is now setting up a green data centre. He lauded Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, saying, ‘Your name is already part of history for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and I’m happy that two institutions under my ministry also contributed to it.’

He further announced that India’s first quantum unit would soon be established at IIT Noida. A biotechnology park will also be set up near Lucknow, and a two- to three-day startup conclave is scheduled for August.

Uttar Pradesh IT Minister Sunil Kumar Sharma, Minister of State for Social Welfare Aseem Arun, and Minister of State for Backward Classes and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Narendra Kashyap were also present.

Central Electronics Limited (CEL), a Mini Ratna CPSE under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Government of India, is spearheading the green data centre initiative. Chetan Prakash Jain, CMD of CEL, stated that the centre is designed for energy efficiency, robust security, and future scalability.

He said that through its collaboration with ESDS, CEL is integrating advanced cloud and data centre technologies with sustainable design. Features include modular PODs, smart cooling systems, reflective roofing, rainwater harvesting, and multi-ISP connectivity. The centre will have a total capacity of 30 MW and can accommodate up to 200 racks per floor.

Piyush Somani, CMD and CEO of ESDS, said that the facility complies with Tier III/TIA/Uptime standards and offers 40 Gbps connectivity. He added that the project will bolster national missions such as Digital India and Green India.

(ANI)