JAMMU, Jul 14 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today delivered a powerful and engaging address at IIM Jammu, during its Orientation Programme, urging students to seize the moment and contribute meaningfully to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Earlier , the Minister inaugurated a new hostel in the campus comprising four aesthetic blocks , together providing 688 single rooms occupancy. He also noted that only last week, the union cabinet had authorised the Director Rs 200 cr tender approval.
In his keynote, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated, “You are born at a time when India is at the cusp of historic change. Your birth in this era is not your achievement, but how you use this opportunity will define your legacy.” He described the youth as the true architects of Viksit Bharat, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the India of 2047.
Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded the institute’s focus on student welfare and infrastructure development, noting that such facilities not only enhance the residential experience but also contribute to a more productive academic environment. The Minister appreciated the aesthetic design and thoughtful layout of the hostel, emphasizing that world-class infrastructure is vital for nurturing talent and fostering innovation on campus.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that the Government’s youth-centric governance model has created a dynamic ecosystem fostering education, innovation, startups, and research. He cited the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a game-changing reform that empowers students with interdisciplinary choices. “You are no longer prisoners of subjects chosen by your parents. Today, you can blend literature with science, or management with medicine. That is true empowerment,” he said.
The Minister noted that structural reforms, such as the relaxation of General Financial Rules (GFRs) and empowering Directors to approve Global Tenders up to ₹200 crore, have significantly improved the ease of conducting research and managing institutions. These measures, he added, reflect the government’s deep trust in academic leadership and the scientific community.
Touching upon India’s innovation journey, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated, “From just 350 startups a decade ago, India now has over 1.75 lakh startups—creating 17.56 lakh jobs, more than many government recruitment initiatives.” He urged students to shift their mindset from being job seekers to becoming job creators, leveraging the enormous support available through various startup schemes.
Having been associated with IIM Jammu since its inception, Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded its dynamic growth and rapid strides in institutional development. “Among the IIMs established in the last 11 years, IIM Jammu has emerged as a standout performer,” he remarked. He also inaugurated a newly constructed four-block hostel complex, featuring 688 single-bed rooms, and commended the institute’s modern infrastructure and student-centric facilities.
He advised the institute to initiate in-house B2B startup meets, leveraging its proximity to IIT, AIIMS, IIIM, and the Institute of Mass Communication in Jammu. He said this rare cluster of premier institutions within a few kilometers offers an exceptional ecosystem for interdisciplinary learning and early industry-academic .
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the democratization of aspiration, noting that students from remote and underrepresented regions are now excelling in top national institutions and services. “You will be the ones to celebrate India’s 100 years of independence in 2047. The responsibility of building Viksit Bharat lies with you. Take it not as a burden, but as a gift from destiny,” he said.
At the same time, he reminded students and faculty to use their newfound autonomy with responsibility, observing that “every freedom carries an inherent obligation. The purpose of relaxing controls is not for comfort, but for greater creativity and accountability.”
Among the prominent attendees were Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu; Dr. Shakti Gupta, Director, AIIMS Jammu; Prof. Manoj Singh Gaur, Director, IIT Jammu; Shri Amitava Chatterjee, MD and CEO, J&K Bank; Prof. Upadhyay, Dean (Academics); and Dr. Sarbjeet Singh, along with esteemed members of the faculty and student community.
