- ‘Space economy projected to grow fivefold in the next decade
NEW DELHI, Jan 21: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Department of Atomic Energy, the Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, discussed the harrowing history of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, noting that their circumstance is especially tragic, as they found themselves homeless overnight in their own homeland. He asserted that Kashmir is incomplete without its Kashmiri Pandit community.
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In a candid discussion with ‘Sansad’ TV, Dr. Jitendra Singh covered various topics, including Jammu & Kashmir, reforms in ISRO’s space sector, governance changes under DoPT, biopharma developments, and climate action.
He credited PM Narendra Modi with initiating space reforms that have opened the sector to private investments, leading to accelerated growth. The space economy is anticipated to surge from $8 billion to $44 billion over the next ten years.
Upcoming milestones such as the indigenous Gaganyaan Mission, the projected Chandrayaan-4 (2027), Shukrayaan (2028), and the Indian Space Station (2030) illustrate India’s promising trajectory, according to the Minister.
During a special segment on Sansad TV, Dr. Jitendra Singh engaged in a profound dialogue with Vijay Tankha, Member of Rajya Sabha.
He emphasized that the well-being of Jammu & Kashmir and its inhabitants, particularly the Kashmiri Pandits, remains a central focus for PM Narendra Modi. He noted the significant improvements in connectivity, such as expanded train networks and express corridors that ensure year-round access.
Reflecting on the painful history of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, he underlined their unique hardships, emphasizing that they became homeless overnight in their own country. He remarked on the BJP’s historical role in highlighting this sensitive issue, mentioning leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi and L.K. Advani as pivotal figures in this cause.
Dr. Jitendra Singh acknowledged PM Modi’s dedication, evidenced by his over 35 visits to Jammu & Kashmir, supporting welfare initiatives for Pandits, including their housing and reintegration into wider Kashmiri society.
He outlined India’s transformation in the space sector as a result of PM Modi’s leadership, attributing the current $8 billion space economy with a projection to reach $44 billion within a decade, showcasing significant achievements such as the Gaganyaan Mission and other upcoming ventures.
Furthermore, he praised startups and foreign direct investments for fostering innovation. Projects like SPADEX are pushing the envelope on technological advancements, while the Vyom Mitra robot mission serves as a precursor to manned spaceflight.
Dr. Jitendra Singh asserted that biomanufacturing and bio-foundries are key to driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He highlighted India’s bio-economy, rich in resources from the Himalayas to coastal areas, as a key growth engine. As one of the first countries with a dedicated bio-economy policy, India is poised to lead in global innovation in recycling, manufacturing, and startups within this sector. He reassured the government’s backing in fostering knowledge sharing, public-private collaborations, and startup involvement to ensure sustainable growth in biomanufacturing, also noting India’s pioneering BIO-E3 policy.
Emphasizing a shift toward citizen-centric governance under PM Modi, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted initiatives like Mission Karmayogi which are transforming bureaucracy through role-based training and capacity building. Innovations such as the face-recognition-enabled digital life certificate and adaptive online modules are improving citizen accessibility and convenience.
He reiterated India’s commitment to combat climate change and the diverse climatic challenges it faces. Dr. Jitendra Singh referenced PM Modi’s Mission LiFE, which advocates for sustainable living, and he commended India’s proactive role in preventive healthcare, ensuring compliance with global standards for addressing health and environmental issues.
When discussing his personal interests, Dr. Jitendra Singh shared his passion for reading and poetry, mentioning that he always carries two books with him and finds inspiration in literary arts.
India has established itself as a reliable global partner, buoyed by collaborative efforts, transparency, and innovation. The nurturing environment under PM Modi’s leadership has positioned the country as a hub for startups, businesses, and industrial ventures, solidifying its status as a leader in technology, sustainability, and governance.
