Union Minister Emphasises 'Green Economy' As Key Driver For India's Future Growth
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised the pivotal role of the "Green Economy" in India's future growth. He stressed the importance of industry participation in startups and research & development from their inception.
He was speaking at the "Green Ribbon Champions" Conclave. Singh highlighted the necessity of "Green Financing" with strong industrial engagement, stating that it is crucial for sustainable progress.
He pointed out the potential of the Bioeconomy, noting that it has grown from USD 10 billion in 2014 to USD 80 billion today, and projected it to reach USD 125 billion by 2025.
Discussing the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), Singh mentioned that it will bridge the gap between the public and private sectors. NRF will also serve as a think tank, determining project themes and international collaborations.
The NRF Act, recently passed in Parliament with a budget of Rs. 50,000 crore over five years, will promote research and innovation across India's educational and research institutions, focusing on clean energy research.
The minister also lauded the National Education Policy, NEP-2020, introduced by Prime Minister Modi, which allows students to switch between fields of study based on their aptitude. With provisions for multiple entry/exit options, NEP-2020 aims to decouple degrees from education, providing academic flexibility and opening diverse career opportunities for students.
