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Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh has unveiled the ‘NITI Aayog’s Roadmap for Strengthening State Science and Technology (S&T) Councils’.
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 Jitendra 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 described the recently established Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) as a game-changer that will bridge gaps between academia, industry and government, facilitating co-creation and co-investment in research. He also praised the emerging Bio-E3 cell ecosystem, backed by the Prime Minister, stating, “The next big revolution will be biotech-driven, and India is set to lead the world.”
Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Suman Bery, emphasised 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.
NITI Aayog Member Dr V.K. Saraswat observed that “sustainability must be embedded into the innovation process,” and highlighted the importance of capacity building at the state level to achieve long-term scientific excellence.
