New Delhi, Feb 11: The remarkable evolution of India’s economy from being categorized among the ‘Fragile Five’ to now standing proudly in the ‘First Five’ has been significantly influenced by governance reforms, stated Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Tuesday.
At the launch of an international conference in the city, he noted that discussions around “Viksit Bharat,” or developed India, are not only prevalent in the country but globally as well, reflecting the transformative journey under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Singh, serving as the Minister of State for Personnel, emphasized the shift in India’s economic landscape, highlighting the effective reforms in public administration and governance.
He pointed out India’s notable ascent in the Global Innovation Index, leaping from 81st to 39th place, marking a significant achievement.
The minister outlined critical indicators showcasing the success of next-generation administrative reforms, such as the remarkable increase in broadband connectivity, which nearly encompasses 80% of the population.
Singh commended the government’s efforts toward financial inclusion, emphasizing the surge in digital transactions and direct benefit transfers as significant milestones.
With India accounting for 46% of total digital transactions, he mentioned that over 16.8 billion transactions were executed in just one month of October 2024, illustrating the positive socio-economic implications of these reforms, as stated by the Personnel Ministry.
The minister’s remarks came during the inauguration of a four-day international conference on governance centered around the theme “Next Generation Administrative Reforms – Reaching the Last Mile,” organized collaboratively by the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) of the Government of India.
This conference marks its debut hosting in India, attracting participants from nearly 55 countries around the world, as noted in the statement.
Focusing on India’s advancements in governance technology, Singh remarked that the nation is among the pioneers in launching a National Quantum Mission and Open Network Digital Commerce.
He also highlighted notable Indian achievements in space exploration, including the Chandrayaan Mission, which established India as the first country to touch down on the Moon’s South Pole, along with the Aditya L1 Mission, making India one of just three nations with a dedicated mission.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the Department of Atomic Energy has implemented a “Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant” at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which handles a daily load of one million liters of faecal sludge, per the statement.
The minister also celebrated India’s innovations in healthcare, such as the first indigenous DNA vaccine and the inaugural human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine aimed at combating cervical cancer.
He also mentioned the local development of the antibiotic Nafithromycin and the success of the first gene therapy trial for hemophilia.
The event on Tuesday was graced by prominent figures, including IIAS President Ra’ed Mohammed BenShams, IIAS DG Sofiane Sahraoui, and DARPG Secretary V Srinivas, amongst others. (Agencies)
