Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that Jammu & Kashmir is poised to become a crucial torchbearer in India’s journey towards achieving its ambitious goals set for Destination 2047. He spoke during the launch of the ATL Sarthi and Frontier Region Programme at the University of Kashmir on [date].
Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of Jammu & Kashmir as India transitions from being the fourth-largest economy to the third. This shift, he noted, will heavily depend on tapping into underexplored regions and resources, a category in which J&K excels.
The Minister pointed to the rapid developments in the region since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration took charge in 2014. Initiatives like the Aroma Mission have started to unlock the area’s vast natural resources, which include the majestic Himalayas and numerous rivers.
Highlighting the region’s significant contributions to innovation, Dr. Singh expressed confidence that Jammu & Kashmir will be at the forefront of India’s innovation-driven growth trajectory over the next 20 years.
While launching the ATL Sarthi initiative in Srinagar, Dr. Singh remarked that this event represents a dual celebration. It signifies Kashmir University’s role in actively integrating Jammu & Kashmir into India’s broader economic aspirations and acknowledges the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) for extending its network to this often-overlooked Union Territory.
The Minister also revealed plans to establish 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across Jammu & Kashmir, making up the largest share of a total of 2,500 labs allocated for the frontier regions. This initiative involves an investment of ₹100 crore and aims to equip school students with advanced tools in robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence, fostering early innovation.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underlined that technology-driven sectors have been key to India’s economic growth over the last decade. The Minister noted that the country’s space economy has surged from nearly zero to $8 billion and is slated to reach $40–45 billion within a decade, thanks to the growing startup ecosystem.
“Private sector involvement is crucial for sustainable growth,” he asserted, referencing successful initiatives like InSpace in space research and BIRAC in biotechnology as models for effective collaboration.
The flourishing aroma industry in J&K is leading to the creation of thousands of startups focused on lavender and floriculture. Dr. Singh highlighted that around 3,500 lavender startups are currently active in the region, illustrating a significant shift where young entrepreneurs are returning from corporate jobs to explore opportunities in these sectors.
Reflecting on the innovation landscape, the Minister shared that 50 students from Jammu & Kashmir were among the top 1,000 in the nationwide School Innovation Marathon, indicating a rising pool of talent ready to engage in the startup ecosystem. He urged both students and parents to change the perception that successful startups can only come from metropolitan areas, emphasizing that nearly half of India’s startups currently emerge from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Dr. Singh concluded with a vision for the future, explaining that the students engaged in these tinkering labs today will soon enter the workforce and be instrumental in leading a developed India. He stated, “Through them, Jammu & Kashmir will indeed be a torchbearer of the national journey.”
The launch event also witnessed esteemed guests, including 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, reflecting a strong commitment to the region’s development.
