Youth At 2023 To Define India at 2047, Says Jitendra Singh

Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State, Science & Technology, said that the youth of India will define the country's future in 2047 during his speech as Chief Guest at the Youth 20 Consultation on Peace-building and Reconciliation at the University of Jammu. He spoke about the significance of 2023, which is India's G20 Presidency year, and its inter-relationship with the youth of India. Singh stated that this is a great opportunity for the youth of the country, but also a challenge and privilege as they will be the ones deciding the face of India in the year 2047.

Youth: A Determining Factor

Singh emphasized that the youth of India will be the prime citizens of the country in 2047. They have the talent and capabilities, but the favorable milieu was lacking until Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided it. Singh said that Modi has given a model of governance that is sustainable, defies the principle of diminishing returns, and grows stronger with each new challenge. The minister pointed out that the government has been dedicated to the upliftment of the poor, empowerment of women, and betterment of youth since 2014.

Youth-Focused Initiatives

Singh highlighted the government's initiatives to provide opportunities for youth. Within two to three months of forming the government in 2014, the practice of getting certificates attested by gazetted officers was done away with. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi spoke about abolishing the interview in job recruitment so that a level playing field could be provided. Pension face recognition technology was introduced so that the elderly citizens did not have to go through the tedious process of getting a life certificate. Singh stated that most of the government's functioning was converted online to bring in transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.

Grievance Redressal Mechanism

Singh discussed how the grievance redressal mechanism was shifted to CPGRAMS. As a result, approximately 20 lakh grievances are received every year compared to just 2 lakhs every year before this government came in. This government followed a policy of time-bound redressal and gained the confidence of the people.

Support for Startups

Singh recalled that Prime Minister Modi gave a call for “StartUp India StandUp India” in his Independence Day address of 2015, which soon turned into a countrywide movement. As a result, the number of Start-ups in India has gone up from 300 to 400 in 2014 to more than 75,000 today. India ranks third in the world in the Start-Up ecosystem. Additionally, the number of Biotech StartUps in the country has increased from 50 to over 5,000 in the last 8 years. It is expected to cross the figure of 10,000 by 2025. The Bio economy before 2014 was just $10 billion; today, it is $80 billion, and the target is $100 billion by 2025.

Modi's Policies

Singh stated that Modi has always given the highest priority to the issues and concerns related to youth. He constantly sought to create new avenues and opportunities for livelihood, government jobs, and income for the youth. Singh also referred to the India’s Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, which the Modi government amended after 30 years in 2018 to introduce a number of new provisions, including criminalizing the act of giving bribes in addition to taking bribes.

Future of India in the Hands of Youth

Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized that the future of India lies in the hands of its youth, and it is important to empower and encourage them to become responsible citizens who can contribute towards building a prosperous and peaceful nation. He said that the Modi government has taken several initiatives to create an enabling environment for the youth, including schemes like Skill India, Startup India, and Make in India.

The Minister said that the government is also committed to providing a level playing field to all sections of society, including women and marginalized communities. He highlighted the success of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme, which has helped to improve the sex ratio and promote education among girls.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the government is also focused on promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment. He mentioned initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which has led to a significant improvement in cleanliness and hygiene across the country.

The Minister said that the youth of India have a critical role to play in achieving the government's vision of a New India by 2047. He called upon the youth to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the government and to become active participants in the nation-building process. He also urged them to uphold the values of peace, harmony, and inclusivity, and to reject any form of violence or hatred.