VADODARA (GUJARAT), May 8 :Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today inaugurated “Lakshya 2047” Centre for Future Skills, Cadaveric Centre and Advanced Medical Simulation facilities at Parul University here.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh said India is moving at a “very fast pace” in emerging technologies including Quantum, Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors and Deep-Tech, with the country’s youth set to play the central role in building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
The Minister outlined the government’s broader push to align higher education with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity and quantum technologies. He said the Centre, developed in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Ethnotech and Cambridge University Press and Assessment, would train students in nine future-technology domains with globally recognised certifications. Highlighting progress under the National Quantum Mission, the Minister said India has already completed 1,000 km of secure quantum communication within just three years, achieving the target in less than half the projected timeline, and added that the eight-year Mission is advancing rapidly through four thematic hubs and collaborations with institutions across the country.
The Minister said the IndiaAI Mission launched in 2024 is creating a strong ecosystem around compute infrastructure, datasets, innovation and future skills. Referring to India’s growing global standing in innovation, he said the country today ranks third globally in the startup ecosystem and has crossed one lakh patents, a majority of them filed by Indian residents. India also ranks among the top nations globally in scientific publications, with Indian research increasingly receiving international citations and recognition.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the pace of technological evolution has made continuous skilling and re-skilling essential, especially in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum Technologies and Semiconductor Design. He said India’s demographic advantage, with nearly 70 percent of the population below the age of 40 years, presents a major opportunity to emerge as a global skilled workforce hub over the next two to three decades.
The Minister said the Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has adopted an integrated and collaborative approach towards innovation, research and skilling, moving beyond traditional silos and encouraging greater participation from academia, startups and the private sector. He referred to initiatives such as the National Education Policy 2020, the National Quantum Mission, IndiaAI Mission, AnusandhanNational Research Foundation (ANRF), Atal Tinkering Labs and various startup-support programmes aimed at nurturing innovation from the school level onwards.
Highlighting the Government’s emphasis on inclusive scientific growth, Dr. Jitendra Singh spoke about dedicated programmes for women scientists, school students, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, as well as support mechanisms for universities and young researchers through schemes such as PURSE, FIST, STUTI and technology innovation platforms. He said these initiatives are designed to democratise access to science, research infrastructure and innovation opportunities across the country.
On Artificial Intelligence, the Minister said India is pursuing an approach rooted in inclusion, responsibility and public good. Referring to the Global South AI Summit hosted by India earlier this year and the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on responsible AI, he said technology must serve the most vulnerable and underserved sections of society. “One has to be intelligent enough to use Artificial Intelligence,” he remarked, adding that AI guided by ethics and equity can become a powerful force for healthcare, governance and social transformation.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also referred to the opening of India’s nuclear sector for greater private participation, including in nuclear medicine research and applications, describing it as a major step towards expanding innovation and vocational opportunities in advanced healthcare technologies.
Calling upon the youth to become active partners in the journey towards Viksit Bharat, the Minister said the year 2047 will belong to the present generation of young Indians, who will be at the peak of their energy, careers and capabilities when the country completes 100 years of Independence. He said the Government’s responsibility is to build their capacity and create opportunities so that India’s growth story is driven by innovation, science and skilled human resources.
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