Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has the potential to take on a pivotal role in India’s journey towards ‘Destination 2047’, asserted Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh during a recent event at the University of Kashmir. The Minister spoke at the launch of the ATL Sarthi and Frontier Region Programme under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) this past week.
Dr. Singh highlighted that as India’s economy rapidly climbs from rank four to rank three globally, places like Jammu and Kashmir, with vast unexplored resources, will play a crucial role in this transformative period. He emphasized the significance of J&K, noting that it has begun to receive substantial developmental attention only since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regime started in 2014.
“This region possesses invaluable resources – from the majestic Himalayas to its plentiful rivers, and crucial initiatives like Aroma Mission have helped unlock these potentialities,” Dr. Singh explained.
Focusing on the technological advancements of J&K, he stated that Jammu and Kashmir is set to emerge as a key contributor to India’s innovation-led economy over the next two decades. This growth aligns with the government’s broader strategy to include underdeveloped areas in the national narrative.
Congratulating the University of Kashmir for its engagement in innovation, Dr. Singh referred to the occasion as a “dual celebration.” He acknowledged the institution’s role in integrating J&K into India’s collective growth journey and AIM’s outreach in energizing innovation within this region.
During the event, the Minister revealed ambitious plans for the establishment of 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in J&K, considerably contributing to the 2,500 labs planned for other frontier regions. He announced an investment of ₹100 crore for this initiative, aiming to expose school students in the Union Territory to advanced tools in robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence.
Highlighting the evolution of India’s economy driven by innovation, Dr. Singh pointed out significant progress in technology sectors such as space and biotechnology. India’s space economy, he emphasized, has burgeoned from nearly zero to $8 billion, with projections indicating it could reach $40-45 billion within a decade, showcasing the flourishing startup ecosystem in this domain.
The Minister also underscored the importance of private sector involvement in sustaining economic growth. He stated, “Without involving private players, we cannot ensure prolonged growth,” pointing to successful collaborations in the space and biotechnology sectors as models for future strategies.
Focusing on J&K’s contributions to the “Aroma Mission,” Dr. Singh observed that the region now hosts approximately 3,500 startups related to lavender and floriculture. Many young innovators are returning from corporate roles to pursue opportunities in entrepreneurship in these emerging sectors, reshaping career pathways beyond traditional government jobs.
As the conversation veered towards innovation, Dr. Singh noted that 50 students from J&K ranked among the top 1,000 in the nationwide School Innovation Marathon. He encouraged parents and students to discard the notion that startup success is limited to metropolitan cities, affirming that almost half of India’s startups originate from Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.
In his powerful concluding remarks, Dr. Singh stated, “As we envision India@2047, these students will be at the forefront of our workforce. They will act as the torchbearers of a developed India, with Jammu and Kashmir leading this national journey.”
The event was further graced by the presence of 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, underlining the collaborative spirit of innovation intended for J&K’s development.
