NEW DELHI, March 24 – Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and other key departments, delivered an insightful speech at the ET Telecom 5G Congress. He emphasized India’s leadership in digital public infrastructure and technology innovation, showcasing the transformative progress made over the past decade under the Digital India initiative.
India’s Digital Transformation: A Global Role Model
Dr. Singh highlighted India’s success in establishing digital public infrastructure that has now become a global model. He pointed to the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme as a key example, stating that it played a crucial role in ensuring financial inclusion and seamless transactions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): This game-changing initiative ensures that financial aid reaches beneficiaries directly, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring transparency.
- Swamitva Scheme: This initiative uses digital mapping of land ownership to empower citizens, making land transactions more transparent. Nearly 70% of India’s villages have already been mapped, reflecting a major shift toward citizen-centric governance.
India’s Technological Rise: Global Leadership
India’s technological advancements have positioned it as a global leader in multiple sectors. Dr. Singh shared that India’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index had surged from 81st to 39th, showcasing a thriving innovation ecosystem.
- Patent Filings: India now ranks 6th globally in patent filings, with 56% of patents coming from resident Indians. This marks a significant shift from previous decades when Indian talent sought recognition abroad.
Dr. Singh emphasized that India’s growing strength in space exploration, biotechnology, and digital infrastructure is a testament to the nation’s technological prowess.
Government’s Commitment to Scientific Research and Innovation
The Indian government’s focus on scientific research and innovation is evident in several initiatives that Dr. Singh discussed:
- Viability Fund for Space Startups: This fund is aimed at nurturing India’s space startups and enabling young companies to drive innovation in space exploration.
- National Research Foundation (NRF): The NRF will play a key role in funding and supporting cutting-edge scientific research across multiple fields.
- Nuclear Sector Reforms: The government has opened the nuclear sector to private players, encouraging private investment and participation in India’s clean energy future.
Dr. Singh also noted that in the first 100 days of Modi 3.0, the government allocated Rs 10,000 crore for space startups and launched a biotechnology policy called BioE3, focusing on sustainability, employment generation, and economic growth.
Women in Science: Leading the Charge
One of the most notable aspects of India’s technological advancements is the growing role of women in science. Dr. Singh highlighted that women are not only participating but also leading critical missions.
- Aditya-L1 Mission: India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, was led by a woman scientist, marking a paradigm shift in gender representation in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This shift signals India’s commitment to promoting gender equality in science.
India’s Technological Future: A Global Powerhouse
Dr. Singh concluded by reiterating India’s growing position as a global technological powerhouse. Through initiatives like the Swamitva scheme, space startup funds, and open nuclear sector policies, India is setting the stage for a future driven by innovation and inclusivity.
Key takeaways:
- India’s digital infrastructure is now a global model, with successful schemes like DBT and Swamitva.
- India ranks 6th globally in patent filings, signaling the country’s growing role in global innovation.
- The government’s focus on scientific research and space exploration is solidifying India’s future in cutting-edge technologies.
- Women’s increasing participation in scientific leadership is redefining gender roles in STEM.
Looking Forward: A Bright Future for Innovation
India is making rapid strides in technology and innovation, with a clear focus on sustainability, economic growth, and gender inclusivity. The initiatives laid out by Dr. Singh serve as a roadmap for India’s continued rise in global technological leadership.
As India continues to strengthen its digital infrastructure, scientific research, and technological ecosystems, the country is poised to lead the world in space exploration, biotechnology, and digital innovation in the coming years. With these advancements, India is not only improving its own technological landscape but also setting a global example for sustainable and inclusive growth.
