Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh declared Jammu & Kashmir as a pivotal force in India’s ascent towards ‘Destination 2047’ during the launch of the ATL Sarthi initiative at the University of Kashmir on October 5, 2023. This initiative aims to integrate innovation into the educational fabric of the region, empowering the youth and driving economic growth.
During his address, Dr. Singh highlighted the significance of Jammu & Kashmir in enhancing India’s economic stature, projected to rise from the fourth to the third largest economy in the coming years. He emphasized the region’s untapped potential, which aligns with various government initiatives launched post-2014.
“As India’s economy expands, it will increasingly draw value from underexplored regions like Jammu & Kashmir,” Dr. Singh noted, referencing the positive trend initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
Dr. Singh underscored Jammu & Kashmir’s emergence as a critical player in India’s innovation-led progress over the next two decades. He termed the ATL Sarthi initiative as a ‘dual celebration,’ spotlighting both the involvement of Kashmir University in national progress and the extension of the Atal Innovation Mission’s network in this strategically vital Union Territory.
Under the Frontier Region Programme, the government plans to establish 500 new Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in Jammu & Kashmir. This initiative, part of a larger plan to create a total of 2,500 ATLs across frontier regions, comes with an investment of ₹100 crore. These labs will introduce schoolchildren to advanced technologies such as robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence, nurturing young innovators.
Dr. Singh articulated that technology-driven sectors including space, biotechnology, and resources from the Himalayas fuel India’s rapid economic growth. He stated, “India’s space economy has surged from nearly zero to $8 billion and is projected to reach between $40 and $45 billion in a decade,” highlighting the vibrant ecosystem of over 400 startups in this sector.
The Minister also stressed the necessity for public-private partnerships in sustaining growth. “Without private sector involvement, our growth will not endure. Programs like InSpace for space research and BIRAC for biotechnology exemplify how structured collaboration can thrive,” he stated.
Pointing out Jammu & Kashmir’s growing influence in industries like floriculture and the ongoing Aroma Mission, Dr. Singh acknowledged the rise of approximately 3,500 lavender startups in the region. He remarked, “Young individuals are returning from corporate jobs to entrepreneurship, redefining career opportunities beyond government employment.”
On innovation potential, Dr. Singh applauded the accomplishments of 50 local students who ranked among the top 1,000 in the nationwide School Innovation Marathon—an accomplishment indicative of the burgeoning talent pool in Jammu & Kashmir. He encouraged students and parents to discard the misconception that startups are only viable in metropolitan areas, emphasizing that nearly half of India’s startups today emerge from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
“As we envision India@2047, the students nurtured in these tinkering labs will lead the country’s advancement. They will embody Jammu & Kashmir’s role as a torchbearer for a prosperous India,” concluded Dr. Jitendra Singh.
The launch event featured notable attendees, including 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, marking a collective effort towards innovating and uplifting Jammu & Kashmir.