Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) holds the promise to lead India’s journey towards its ambitious ‘Destination 2047,’ according to Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh. This optimistic assertion came during the launch of the ATL Sarthi and Frontier Region Programme at the University of Kashmir on Saturday.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that as India ascends from the fourth to the third largest economy globally, regions like J&K will play an essential role in this progression. He highlighted J&K’s unexplored potential, particularly in terms of its vast natural resources, which have begun receiving attention since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure commenced in 2014.
The minister pointed out key initiatives, such as the Aroma Mission, which have facilitated tapping into J&K’s extensive Himalayan and river resources. He asserted that this region has the capability to significantly contribute to India’s innovation-led growth story in the next two decades.
Expressing congratulations on the launch of the ATL Sarthi initiative, Dr. Singh described it as a dual celebration. The event signifies Kashmir University’s vital role in integrating J&K into India’s broader economic narrative and the expansion of the Atal Innovation Mission’s (AIM) innovation network in this strategic territory.
Under the Frontier Region Programme, the government plans to establish 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across J&K. This initiative represents a significant portion of the 2,500 labs sanctioned for frontier regions, with an investment of ₹100 crore. These labs will provide school students with exposure to modern tools in robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence, fostering innovation among the youth.
Dr. Jitendra Singh further stated that India’s growth trajectory, particularly in the last decade, has been driven by technological advancements in sectors like space, biotechnology, and oceans. He remarked that India’s space economy has surged from virtually nothing to $8 billion, with projections estimating it will reach $40-45 billion within a decade. The sector now boasts over 400 active startups.
Stressing the need for public-private partnerships, the minister mentioned initiatives like InSpace in space research and BIRAC in biotechnology as models that showcase the success of structured collaboration. He underscored that sustainable growth depends on actively involving private enterprises.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also highlighted J&K’s rising prominence in sectors such as the Aroma Mission and floriculture, where around 3,500 lavender startups have emerged. He noted a trend where young people are returning from corporate jobs to embrace entrepreneurship, redefining opportunities beyond traditional employment.
The innovation pipeline in J&K reflects a burgeoning talent pool, with 50 students from the region ranking among the top 1,000 in the nationwide School Innovation Marathon. The minister encouraged students and parents to challenge the misconception that startups thrive only in metropolitan areas, emphasizing that nearly half of India’s startups now originate from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by stating, “As we envision India@2047, the students in these tinkering labs will enter their prime working years. They will be the torchbearers of a developed India, with J&K leading the national journey.”
The event also included notable attendees such as 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.
