NEW DELHI-Hemlock Deal Meaningless Review

NEW DELHI Hemlock Deal: Meaningless Review BM A CURIOUS decision has been blandly disclosed on the controversial deal with the US firm, Hemlock Semiconductors Corporation, for what is euphemistically called transfer of technology for the flamboyantly designated National Silicon Facility. The disclosure came in a written reply of the Prime Minister to a question in the Rajya Sabha. Since an immediate discussion on it was precluded by procedures, the decision has not attracted the attention it deserved. According to the written reply of the Prime Minister, the government has finally decided to buy silicon technology from the US firm after a "careful assessment of the present stage of the tech no-economic viability and cost- effectiveness of the indigenously developed process". But, with a view to giving the indigenous effort a chance to prove itself, the investment decision on setting up the National Silicon Facility has been postponed for about a year. However, the government would pay about Rs 7.5 crore to the US firm for the transfer of technology which is not proposed to be used for the time being, pending the effort of the indigenous process to 'prove itself as cost effective and commercial. This is a decision which is unusual and extraordinary for its ambiguity and ambivalence It JS evidently inspired by the idea of pleasing everyone concerned and leaving the conflict of interests involved unresolved, even undisturbed, at least for the time being. How things move from here will be important and interesting to watch.