Change of mindset, exploration of regional resources are key to startups in J&K: Jitendra Singh

Srinagar, June 30: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions on Sunday said that Change of mindset and exploration of regional resources are the key to StartUps in Jammu & Kashmir”.

This was stated by Dr Jitendra Singh while addressing the valedictory function of the 2-day National Conference on ‘Role of Academic-driven Start-ups in Developing Economy of J&K (RASE-2024) at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, the StartUp movement in India has picked up in a big way in the last one decade and the credit for this primarily goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who gave a call ‘Start-up India Stand-up India’ from the ramparts of Red Fort during his Independence Address.

At that time, he recalled, the number of Start-ups in the country was just 350-400 and today it has gone up to 1.5 lakh while India is rated number 3 globally in the StartUps.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, in the earlier years, the StartUp movement did not catch up with an equal pace in this part of the country.

He said, this has also been so because of the fact that in some of the states and UTs like Jammu & Kashmir, for several decades government job or Sarkari Naukri has been the main source of livelihood and that has conditioned the mindset of the youngsters as well as the parents.

It is, therefore, important to create awareness that Rozgar does not mean only Sarkari Naukri and that some of the Start-up avenues may be more lucrative compared to the salaried government job, he said.

Emphasising the need to explore the regional resources, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, somehow the mindset gets stuck up with IT when we talk of Start-ups whereas in a region like Jammu & Kashmir the agriculture sector should be the main area of Start-ups.

Citing the example of Aroma Mission, he said, the Purple Revolution was born from small towns of Bhaderwah and Gulmarg, and is now being talked about countrywide while the Purple Revolution Tableau was also displayed on 26th January parade at Kartvya Path, New Delhi. He said, nearly 5000 youngsters have taken up lavender farming as agri Start-ups and are making handsome income.

He said, to begin with, the different institutions in J&K ranging from CSIR, IIT, IIM, AIIMS, SKIMS, SKUAST, NIT Srinagar, Government Medical Colleges, could come together for joint StartUp endeavours.

The Minister spoke to the audience about the need for a fundamental shift in thinking to propel India’s economy toward the goal of a ‘Developed India’ by 2047.

He emphasized the importance of linking academic institutions such as SKIMS Soura, AIIMS, IITs, IIMs, and GMCs with industry partners to ensure sustainable growth and foster a supportive environment for startups.

Dr. Jitendra Singh also reaffirmed the Ministry of Science and Technology’s commitment to supporting StartUps. He highlighted the government’s efforts to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in various sectors in J&K.

On the occasion, Vishad Mafatlal, Chairman, NFIL was the Guest of Honor.

The Union Minister was welcomed by Prof. A. Ravindernath, Director, NIT Srinagar, who briefed the Minister about the contribution of NIT Srinagar towards startup culture and vision for future.

After that RASE-2024 Conference report was presented by Dr Thakur SKR, Sci/Engr-SF, ISRO and Director, DHE & VBITR. He also said that RASE 2026 will be held in Jammu.

1. N. Raghunandan, National Organising Secretary, VB-USS and Mr Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB-DST delivered key note addresses on innovations and startups.

It was followed by the release of J&K Super 100 Programme, Releasing of RASE 2023 & RASE 2024 Proceedings and Vikist India Journal by the Union Miniter Chander Has Gupta, Secretary, DHE and other dignitaries.

A formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr Yashwant Mehta, Secretary of RASE 2024 and Dean P&D, NIT Srinagar.

Earlier panel discussion on Marketing and fundraising for Start-ups, was held in the 1st session. It was attended by experts from all across the country including Prof. Dr Madhukarbai S. Padvi, VC, BMTU, Rajpipla, Dr. Sudipto Chakraborty, Director, NFIL Mumbai, Radheshyam Singh, President, NFIL Surat.