Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office, called for aligning government efforts with a “whole of Government” and “whole of Science” approach to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into a developed nation (“Viksit Bharat”) by 2047.
While chairing the Joint Ministerial Meeting of Secretaries from all Science Ministries and Departments, Dr. Singh emphasized the pivotal role of cooperative federalism in achieving this vision. He urged State Scientific Councils to actively contribute by fostering innovation and leveraging local expertise to address region-specific challenges.
State Councils to Play a Central Role
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the importance of State Scientific Councils in driving grassroots innovation, advancing regional development, and nurturing a scientific temperament. He encouraged states to:
- Act as catalysts for innovation.
- Promote local talent and expertise.
- Address region-specific challenges through scientific solutions.
Market-Driven Innovation
A significant portion of the discussion focused on scaling innovations from India’s scientific institutions to attract investments and address key challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and climate resilience. Dr. Singh stressed that innovations should not remain confined to laboratories but should evolve into impactful, market-ready solutions.
“Scientific innovation must translate into tangible solutions that empower industries and improve lives,” he remarked, citing examples of successful government-supported innovations as inspiration for private sector trust and investment.
Public-Private Partnerships for Real-World Impact
Dr. Singh advocated for robust frameworks enabling public-private collaborations to accelerate the commercialization of research. Such partnerships, he noted, are essential for:
- Bridging the gap between research and application.
- Ensuring scalability and accessibility of innovations.
- Attracting private investments to scientific endeavors.
Towards Cooperative Federalism in Science
Reiterating the need for a unified scientific framework, Dr. Singh urged states to align with central initiatives to:
- Foster regional growth.
- Build scientific temper across communities.
- Ensure equitable access to technological advancements.
“State Scientific Councils must rise to the occasion and play their part in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat,” he added, underlining the necessity of a collective effort to unlock the nation’s full scientific potential.
Leadership and Strategic Direction
The meeting was attended by a team of senior Secretaries and officers led by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof. Ajay Sood.
Dr. Singh’s call to action aligns with India’s broader goals of sustainable growth, innovation-led development, and global leadership in technology. The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 hinges on the seamless integration of science, policy, and community-driven initiatives.
