Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, announced that Jammu & Kashmir will lead India’s journey towards its visionary ‘Destination 2047.’ He made this declaration during the launch of ATL Sarthi and the Frontier Region Programme under the Atal Innovation Mission at the University of Kashmir.
As India aspires to elevate its economy from rank 4 to rank 3 globally, Dr. Singh highlighted Jammu & Kashmir’s potential to contribute significantly through its underutilized resources. The region could pivot to economic growth and innovation, especially since it began receiving focused attention after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration commenced in 2014.
The union minister explained how initiatives like the Aroma Mission have provided a framework for leveraging Kashmir’s rich natural assets, including its vast rivers and mountainous regions.
“The region’s immense potential for innovation positions it as a frontline contributor to India’s economic growth within the next two decades,” Dr. Jitendra Singh asserted.
At the launch event, he celebrated the establishment of 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in Jammu & Kashmir. These labs, with an investment of ₹100 crore, will form part of the 2,500 labs set up in frontier regions. They promise to expose local students to advanced technologies like robotics, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing.
“By equipping our youth with cutting-edge tools, we empower them to innovate from a young age,” Dr. Singh said, emphasizing the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among local students.
He remarked that the technological uplift contributed significantly to India’s economy, noting that the space sector has evolved from negligible investment to a booming $8 billion industry. Forecasts predict this industry will expand to $40–45 billion within a decade, aided by over 400 startups.
Dr. Singh stressed the necessity of public-private partnerships. He observed, “Unless we devise a method of involving private players, we cannot sustain growth.” He pointed to successful initiatives like InSpace in the space sector and BIRAC in biotechnology as models for effective collaboration.
Moreover, he showcased ongoing entrepreneurial efforts in Jammu & Kashmir, notably under the Aroma Mission, which has stimulated growth in floriculture. “Today, about 3,500 lavender startups are operating in the region. Many young people are leaving corporate careers to engage in local entrepreneurship,” he noted.
On the subject of innovation, Dr. Singh pointed out that 50 students from Jammu & Kashmir ranked among the top 1,000 participants in a nationwide School Innovation Marathon. He encouraged parents and students alike to recognize that entrepreneurial success is not confined to metropolitan areas, as nearly half of India’s startups originate from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
“As we envision India@2047, the students engaged in these tinkering labs will be pivotal in driving the country’s growth. They are set to become the torchbearers of a developed India, heralding Kashmir’s role in this journey,” concluded Dr. Jitendra Singh.
The launch event drew significant attention, with participation from Jammu & Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Education Minister Sakina Masood, University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, and AIM Mission Director Dr. Deepak Bagla.
