Dr Jitendra unveils NITI Aayog Report, asks States to align with Centre’s vision

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, July 10: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today unveiled the ‘NITI Aayog’s Roadmap for Strengthening State Science and Technology Councils’ at NITI Aayog complex, here. He called upon the States and UTs to align with Centre’s vision and thereby also align with S&T efforts in the making of Viksit Bharat@2047.
The roadmap is a major step toward building a robust and coordinated science and technology ecosystem across the States to fuel India’s transformation into a knowledge-driven economy.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Singh identified Science and Technology as the key growth engine of India’s economic rise, stating that “if India is to move from the 4th to the 3rd largest economy and beyond, it is science and technology that will drive this growth.”
The Minister recalled that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who overhauled the planning framework in 2014, replacing the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog as a forward-looking think tank, which has since guided India’s growth with visionary policies. “This transformation enabled long-term thinking, evidence-based policy, and a shift from fund allocation to strategic coordination,” he emphasized.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the successful coupling of States and Centre as a case study to harness the full potential of regional scientific talent. He urged State S&T Councils to act as intermediaries between research labs and communities, enabling grassroots-level impact of scientific innovation. He called upon the states to align their scientific vision with the national roadmap of Viksit Bharat @2047, and promote early industry linkages to ensure startup sustainability, not merely through knowledge partnerships, but also through investment partnerships.
Tracing India’s exceptional S&T trajectory over the past decade, Singh said PM Modi has consistently given patronage to scientific progress. “In each of his Independence Day addresses from the Red Fort in the last 11 years, he has highlighted major scientific initiatives-be it the Swachh Bharat Mission, Digital India, Stand-Up and Start-Up India, Deep Ocean Mission, or the Digital Health Card,” Dr. Singh noted.
Referring to the liberalization of space and nuclear sectors for private participation, Dr Singh said, “With these domains unlocked, only the sky is the limit for Indian science.” He called for the Government to assume the role of facilitator rather than controller, encouraging innovation to thrive.
Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Suman Berry, emphasized the urgent need for such a roadmap to ensure that State S&T Councils align their efforts with national development goals and drive innovation that is both inclusive and sustainable.
The event was graced by Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR; Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES); Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF); along with senior officials from the Ministry of Science & Technology.

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