Modi Govt democratised education, job opportunities for youth: Dr Jitendra
May 26, 2025
NEW DELHI: Crediting the Modi government for having democratised education and job opportunities for youth, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh delivered a compelling keynote address at the "Education Tech Summit" organised by News18 , showcasing India's meteoric rise as a global leader in innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
He underscored the nation's transition from being one of the "Fragile Five" economies to "Top Four" now competing with the most developed nations on key global indicators.
Dr. Singh highlighted India's dramatic improvement in the Global Innovation Index, rising from Rank 80 to 39 in just a few years. "This index is a universal parameter - not developed by us, but by the global community," he remarked, adding that this reflects international confidence in India's innovation ecosystem.
Citing the phenomenal impact of the Startup India initiative, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India has surged from Rank 350 to Number 3 globally, with over 1.7 lakh registered startups. What started as a visionary call from the Red Fort has become a grassroots movement, driving job creation, technological advancement, and youth-led innovation.
The "Make in India" initiative, he said, has sparked a nationwide sense of self-belief and empowerment, particularly among the younger population. With a focus on domestic production and reduced dependency on imports, it has opened up new avenues for innovation and enterprise.
Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the government's efforts in democratizing education and job opportunities. "Gone are the days of connections and under-the-table dealings," he stated. With digitized recruitment, outsourced testing, and interview-only qualification processes, meritocracy now defines career progression in India.
Pointing to India's 11,000 km coastline, the Minister highlighted the Deep Ocean Mission as a strategic step to explore the country's untapped marine wealth - including minerals, metals, fisheries, and biodiversity. He emphasized that India is one of the few countries with an ocean named after it, underscoring the nation's deep-rooted maritime legacy.
India's Himalayan region, long overlooked, is now being tapped for its vast ecological and economic potential. Dr. Singh lauded the emergence of agri-tech startups and drone-based farming, which are transforming agriculture into a high-tech, high-efficiency sector, ensuring both environmental sustainability and farmer prosperity.
Under the government's Aroma Mission, a new wave of Lavender Startups has taken bloom, particularly in the Union Territories. Over 3,000 youth entrepreneurs, many without formal degrees, are earning Rs. 65 lakh or more annually - proving that innovation doesn't require a Ph.D., only a mindset and the right opportunity.
India is preparing to send an astronaut to the International Space Station this June, a milestone moment that reflects global recognition of India's scientific and technological capabilities. "The world has started valuing Indian talent and expertise," Dr. Singh said, pointing to a new era of international collaboration in space exploration.
Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the far-reaching impact of the National Education Policy 2020, calling it a transformational roadmap that equips youth with critical thinking, digital skills, and a learner-first approach. NEP 2020, he said, is key to unlocking India's full potential by 2047.
"From ocean depths to outer space, India is rising with confidence, powered by reforms, innovation, and the aspirations of its people," Dr. Singh affirmed. He expressed firm optimism that India will reach the pinnacle of global leadership well before 2047, when the country celebrates 100 years of independence.
