He noted that India’s transformation from being counted among the “Fragile Five” economies in 2014 to emerging as the world’s fourth-largest economy reflects a decisive shift in national confidence, capability, and policy direction.
File Photo: IANS
India today has more than two lakh startups generating over 21 lakh employment opportunities, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh said on Saturday.
He noted that India’s transformation from being counted among the “Fragile Five” economies in 2014 to emerging as the world’s fourth-largest economy reflects a decisive shift in national confidence, capability, and policy direction.
Advertisement
The country, he added, is firmly on course to become the world’s third-largest economy in the near future and realise the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Advertisement
Dr Singh was delivering the P. Parameswaran Memorial Lecture on the theme “Viksit Bharat @2047: Science, Technology and Future-Ready Innovation for National Transformation” at Kowdiar in Thiruvananthapuram on the occasion of National Science Day.
The programme was organised by Bharatheeya Vichara Kendram in memory of noted thinker and social leader P. Parameswaran.
Reflecting on India’s civilisational journey, the minister said the country, despite invasions, colonial rule and systemic exploitation, has emerged stronger with renewed self-belief.
He added that democracy becomes meaningful when even citizens from the most underprivileged backgrounds can aspire to become scientists, doctors or civil servants with confidence in equal opportunity.
Highlighting progress in innovation, Dr Singh said India has improved its ranking in the Global Innovation Index from 81st position in 2014 to 38th at present. He recalled that when the Startup India initiative was launched in 2015, the concept was relatively unfamiliar, but it has since evolved into a nationwide movement.
Nearly half of the startups are now emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, with a significant proportion led by women entrepreneurs, he said, adding that women scientists and innovators are increasingly leading major national missions in space, science and governance.
On research output, Dr Singh said India ranks sixth globally in patent filings, with over 60 per cent submitted by resident Indians. The country is also among the leading nations in scientific publications, with thousands of Indian researchers figuring among the top two per cent scientists worldwide.
Advertisement
