Principal Secy to PM reiterates Modi’s clarion call of ‘reform, perform, transform’

Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, P K Mishra, on Friday appreciated Narendra Modi’s vision of Vikshit Bharat by 2047, and underscored the importance of his mantra — ‘reform, perform, and transform’ — in transforming the country into a developed nation.

Addressing the graduating Scientific Officers at 68th graduation ceremony in the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Training School, lauded the legacy of the institution and the vision of Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha, and talked about its training excellence and contributions to India’s development.

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He highlighted the country’s global rise driven by internal transformation and shifting international dynamics, noting strengths such as youth demographics, infrastructure expansion, and technological achievements, according to an official release issued here.

Mishra cited multiple national achievements such as India’s position as the third-largest startup ecosystem with over 100 unicorns, the scale of digital infrastructure, including UPI processing over 185 billion transactions in 2024–25 and Bold climate commitments including 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Noting the successful opening of the space sector, Mishra remarked that similar initiatives are envisaged for atomic energy, essential for clean energy and national security.

He also highlighted key budget announcements from the Budget 2024–25 like R&D support for Bharat Small Modular Reactors and advanced nuclear technologies and a targeted expansion to 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, with proposed amendments to relevant legislation enabling private sector participation.

According to the document, Mishra, while underscoring the societal impact of nuclear energy, cited the use of radioisotopes for cancer care, and radiation technologies for wastewater treatment and agriculture storage.

He also highlighted recent budgetary provisions aimed at boosting food irradiation infrastructure.

He noted that since 2008, 16 projects have been sanctioned, with 9 operational, alongside 19 functional facilities since 2000.

Mishra also emphasized that irradiation facilities in 12 states are enhancing shelf-life and ensuring compliance with international phytosanitary standards for food products such as fruits, spices, pulses, and herbs.

Underlining India’s independent nuclear journey and its recognition across scientific and diplomatic circles, the Principal Secretary to PM also cited key milestones such as the agreement with the United States, the NSG waiver, and participation in ITER, underlining India’s stature in global nuclear cooperation.

He also emphasized that nuclear energy presents a major opportunity for sustainable growth and clean power in response to climate challenges.

Talking about the capital-intensive nature of nuclear energy projects, Mishra remarked that timely completion, access to low-cost finance, and leveraging private sector capabilities are key to lowering tariffs and improving feasibility.

He encouraged researchers to innovate in cost reduction strategies to make nuclear energy India’s preferred power source.