Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, declared Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) as a potential leader in India’s journey towards ‘Destination 2047’. He made this announcement during the launch of the ATL Sarthi initiative and Frontier Region Programme by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) at the University of Kashmir.
Dr. Singh emphasized that J&K could significantly contribute to India’s economic and innovation growth as it transitions from the fourth to the third economy globally. He noted that this transformation will come from previously unexplored regions and resources, with J&K qualifying on both fronts.
Highlighting the region’s transformation since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Dr. Singh remarked that J&K’s vast natural resources, including its majestic Himalayas and rivers, have garnered attention, leading to initiatives such as the Aroma Mission.
“Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to emerge as a frontline contributor to India’s innovation-led growth story in the next two decades,” stated Dr. Jitendra Singh.
During the event, he celebrated the launch of the ATL Sarthi initiative, emphasizing that it marks a significant milestone. This initiative aims to engage J&K more thoroughly in India’s innovation landscape by setting up 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the Union Territory.
Dr. Singh outlined that these 500 ATLs are part of a broader plan to establish 2,500 labs in frontier regions, representing an investment of ₹100 crore. He noted that these labs will allow students access to advanced tools in robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence, fostering innovation from a young age.
Furthering his vision, he elaborated on India’s growth in technology sectors. Over the past decade, India’s space economy surged from virtually zero to $8 billion. With projections to reach $40-45 billion in the next decade, this growth reflects expanding opportunities for over 400 startups in the space sector alone.
“To sustain growth, private sector involvement is crucial,” he asserted, referring to successful collaborations like InSpace and BIRAC, which have propelled advancements in space research and biotechnology.
Dr. Singh also highlighted J&K’s burgeoning economy through initiatives like the Aroma Mission, where thousands of startups focused on lavender and floriculture have taken root. He mentioned, “Around 3,500 lavender startups are thriving, with many young individuals returning from corporate jobs to pursue entrepreneurship. Such trends are redefining employment opportunities beyond traditional government roles.”
On the subject of innovation, he proudly mentioned that 50 students from J&K ranked among the top 1,000 in the nationwide School Innovation Marathon, underscoring the region’s emerging talent pool.
Addressing perceived myths surrounding startups, he encouraged students and parents to recognize that success is possible beyond metropolitan cities, as nearly half of India’s startups are now emerging from Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations.
As he concluded his remarks, Dr. Jitendra Singh predicted that the students in these tinkering labs would shape the future. “They will be the torchbearers of a developed India, and through them, J&K will play a pivotal role in this national journey,” he asserted.
The launch event also featured prominent figures, 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.
