new-vision-for-science-and-tech-jitendra-singh

Jitendra Singh, the newly appointed Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology, has outlined an ambitious roadmap to revolutionise India's science and technology sectors.

 

Singh, also a Member of Parliament from the Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, brings extensive experience from his terms as Minister of Earth Sciences (MoES).

 

Singh holds multiple key positions: Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the MoES, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy, and Department of Space.

 

Revamping CSIR for Greater Impact

 

A major priority is overhauling the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Established in 1942, CSIR operates 38 laboratories and 39 field stations across India. Singh emphasised the need for increased efficiency and national contributions. “Plans are there to revamp CSIR to increase its efficiency and contribution to the country's progress,” he stated.

 

Although CSIR filed over 200 patents in 2023, only a small fraction were commercialised. The government aims to improve this rate, ensuring more research translates into practical applications.

 

Boosting the Bio-Economy

 

Singh also highlighted the bio-economy, covering biotechnology, biofuels, and other biologically-derived products. This sector has seen substantial growth, expanding from $44 billion (₹52,752.81 crore) in 2019 to an estimated $150 billion (₹1,798,561.15 crore) in 2023.

 

“The bio-economy has grown manifold, and the progress will continue in this term,” said Singh.

 

Supporting Start-Ups

 

Promoting start-ups remains a key focus, with numbers surging from 350 in 2014 to 1.5 lakh in 2024, including over 110 unicorns. Singh attributed this growth to favourable policies and support mechanisms. “Start-ups are vital to our economic future, and we will continue to support them through various initiatives,” he said. According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Indian start-ups raised over Rs 6,500 crore in funding between 2014 and 2024, spurring innovation and job creation.

 

Technological Advancements and Innovation

 

The government plans to continue introducing technologies to improve citizens' quality of life, such as AI-driven healthcare and advanced road construction.

 

Singh reiterated the commitment to pushing technological innovation over the next two decades. “This mission will continue for the next 20 years as we move towards 2047,” he said. He also noted the recent Anusudhan National Research Foundation (NRF) legislation, aiming to make India a leader in science and technology.

 

Strategic Focus on Space and Earth Sciences

 

In the space sector, Singh highlighted India's achievements, including the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon’s south pole and progress towards the Gaganyaan mission. “India’s esteem has risen due to its achievements in space,” Singh said.