Dr Jitendra asks States, UTs to join India's journey of transformation through technology

NEW DELHI: In a clarion call for deepening CentreState collaboration in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Dr. Jitendra Singh on Friday emphasised the need for States and Union Territories to become engines of innovation in India's journey towards a developed nation by 2047.

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Speaking at the valedictory session of Annual Review Meeting of State Science & Technology (S&T) Councils here, the Minister defined technology as engine of transformation and asserted that "a developed India cannot exist without developed States and Union Territories," urging them to evolve into strategic, inclusive, and dynamic hubs of innovation.

Addressing over 30 State and UT S&T Councils, Dr. Jitendra underscored the pivotal role of STI in realising the Viksit Bharat visiona mission that aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a self-reliant and globally competitive India by its centenary of independence. "Science, Technology and Innovation is not just a sector-it is the engine powering our transformation," he said.

He pointed out that the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has been instrumental in supporting this transformation through the State Science and Technology Programme (SSTP), which provides both budgetary and technical backing to State S&T Councils.

These councils function as nodal institutions, catalysing regional STI ecosystems that align local needs with national priorities.