, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the critical role of States and Union Territories){kind=link}
MAY 23: In a strong push for enhanced Centre-State collaboration in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the critical role of States and Union Territories in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. Chairing the valedictory session of the Annual Review Meeting of State Science & Technology (S&T) Councils, Dr. Singh described technology as the “engine of transformation” and highlighted that India’s development hinges on the progress of its States and UTs.
Addressing over 30 State and UT S&T Councils, the Minister underscored STI’s central role in the Viksit Bharat vision—a goal aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadmap for a self-reliant and globally competitive India by its 100th year of independence. He stated, “Science, Technology, and Innovation is not just a sector—it is the engine powering our transformation.”
Dr. Singh praised the Department of Science and Technology’s State Science and Technology Programme (SSTP), which supports State Councils with both financial and technical assistance. He highlighted the network of 23 Patent Information Centres as crucial in strengthening Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) infrastructure and awareness.
Calling for greater awareness of Central S&T schemes, Dr. Singh urged State Councils to enhance outreach at the grassroots, especially in rural and remote areas. “Awareness is the first step towards impact,” he remarked, emphasizing that effective visibility and public engagement are key to inclusive innovation.
The Minister also stressed the importance of learning from successful State models, encouraging Councils to replicate best practices and scale effective strategies. “Cross-learning is key to accelerating progress,” he said, advocating regular exchanges of knowledge and experiences to strengthen the national STI ecosystem.
The two-day meeting featured strategic planning sessions, peer learning opportunities, and presentations of successful state-level initiatives. A special session included Secretaries from 13 States/UTs sharing innovations and science-driven development strategies. Proposals for new Patent Information Centres in Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Meghalaya, and Madhya Pradesh were also reviewed.
Looking ahead, Dr. Singh called for State S&T Councils to evolve into visionary institutions that drive change, collaborate across sectors, and integrate science into governance. Concluding on a hopeful note, he affirmed that through strategic alignment, “the journey to Viksit Bharat@2047 is ambitious but achievable.”