Dr Jitendra Singh, union minister with many portfolios, calls for eplore untapped areas.
NEW DELHI, Dec 12 (The CONNECT) – For the growth story, it is important to explore unexplored areas, adopt an integrated approach between the states and the Centre, and eliminate skepticism between the government and the private sector, said Dr Jitendra Singh, union minister with many portfolios.
(This statement assumes significance in view of the controversy over double-engine governments being propogated by the ruling BJP and the non-saffron party states cointunuous grouse against the centre’s alleged indifference.-Editor)
India has unique domains that have remained untapped for the last 6-7 decades- one such area is our marine resources. With one of the longest coastlines in the world, pairing coastal states can bring great benefits, said, Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Earth Sciences; Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science & Technology; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office; Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance, Government of India.
He was addressing the PHDCCI’s States’ Policy Conclave 2024 yesterday under the theme Paving India’s Green Path for Sustainable and Inclusive Development.
He said Indian states have a huge source of wealth, including metals, minerals, fisheries, and biodiversity. India’s political environment is also very enabling and Prime Minister is very proactive and involved.
Another resource is the Himalayan region, while we mostly talk about IT capabilities; the 4-5 states in the Himalayas’ lap have immense potential. This government has recognized it, for example, the Purple Revolution was showcased in the January 26th parade. There are around 3,000 lavender startups, many run by people who are not even graduates, we need to clear these myths.
The Minister said that it is important to establish industry linkages from the very beginning. The industry should map out the necessary projects, and we should design our systems accordingly for sustainability.
The Startup India, Stand Up India initiative is a huge success story because of effective linkages, he claimed. Today, India has around 1.7 lakh startups.
“Our vaccine success story is another example of collaboration with the industry. The National Research Foundation has now decided that 70% of resources will come from the non-government sector. We need to couple states, adopt an integrated approach between the states and the central government, and eliminate skepticism between the government and the private sector,” he said.
Dr Shamika Ravi, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) & Secretary, said lifestyle changes will eventually become mandatory, while individuals act for their benefit, collective action often lags behind.
She said, growth requires a certain cost. Since not all states are poised for similar growth, we must consider green GDP and new models of growth, valuing green cover and biodiversity. There is significant potential for innovation in these areas. States that preserve forests should be compensated, as they do not all have the same growth opportunities.
Sanjay Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of AYUSH Department & Secretary-CEO, Madhya Pradesh State Medicinal Plants Board (MPSMPB), MP and Chhattisgarh are powerhouses of solar energy and are also making significant strides toward economic development.
Ritu Sain, Investment Commissioner, Government of Chhattisgarh emphasized that sustainability and inclusion must be integrated into both policy and practice.
Anil Gupta, Vice President, PHDCCI said that over the years, PHDCCI’s “States’ Policy Conclave” has been offering a remarkable platform to the key stakeholders in the government and industry to make interface for effective public policy dialogues besides creating a sustained basis of enhancing the governance and investment ecosystem in states.
