Dr Jitendra emphasises greater, early industry linkage for sustainable start-ups
Jammu, Jul 14: Union Minister of State (independent charge) for Science and Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has called for early industry linkage from the outset of academic projects for sustainable StartUps to foster relevance and innovation.
He stated that recent reforms empowered Vice Chancellors to approve global tenders up to Rs 200 Cr easing advanced research procurement.
He was delivering an address at the NITI Aayog “Regional Consultative Committee” meeting on “Ease of Doing Research and Development” at IIT Jammu on Monday.
The event witnessed the participation of faculty, NITI Aayog representatives, eminent scientists, academicians, and institutional leaders.
Reflecting on the genesis of IIT Jammu, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled a conversation from over a decade ago with the late Arun Jaitley, then Finance Minister, which ultimately led to the sanctioning of the IIT for Jammu in the union budget. He said that it (IIT Jammu) was at present thriving under dynamic leadership and advancing in academic excellence.
The Minister emphasised that making research and development more accessible and effective was not the job of a single ministry or institution. “This is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders—including academia, policymakers, industry, and society at large,” he stated, adding that institutional reforms must be matched by cultural and systemic shifts.
The Union Minister highlighted the Modi Government’s unwavering commitment to advancing science and research, while referring to a series of transformative reforms.
“The General Financial Rules (GFRs) have been relaxed, enabling faster procurement and greater flexibility for researchers. In a historic move, the government has also opened up the nuclear sector to private participation. Further, the creation of the Rs 1 lakh Cr National Research Foundation (NRF-Anusandhan) marks a significant push to encourage private sector investment in R&D, thereby strengthening the country’s overall research ecosystem,” Dr Jitendra said.
The Minister noted, “This transformative initiative is further bolstered by recent reforms that empower Vice Chancellors to approve global tenders up to Rs 200 Cr, significantly simplifying and expediting the procurement of advanced research equipment and infrastructure.” He emphasised that such bold measures will accelerate scientific progress and help position India as a global leader in research and innovation.
Dr Jitendra proudly noted that 56 percent of India’s patent filings now come from Indian residents, showcasing the country's growing self-reliance and innovation capacity. He pointed out that India’s rank in the Global Innovation Index has significantly improved -from 81 to 39 - demonstrating the country’s focused efforts in research, innovation, and technology.
Citing the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a landmark reform, Dr. Singh said it has freed students from becoming “prisoners of their parents’ choices.” Highlighting Jammu’s emerging educational ecosystem, Dr Jitendra noted the rare proximity of IIT, IIM, AIIMS, IIIM, and Mass Communication institutions in the region.
“Early industry involvement is the secret behind our vaccine success story,” he said, referring to partnerships with Bharat Biotech and the Serum Institute in India’s rapid development of COVID-19 and HPV vaccines.The event was also attended by Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu, and Prof V K Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog.
