New Delhi:Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh today referred to the tragic history of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus saying that their plight was unique in that they were rendered homeless in their own country and that too overnight. Nevertheless, Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, he emphasised.
In an exclusive conversation with ‘Sansad’ TV, Dr Jitendra Singh spoke on a wide range of subjects ranging from Jammu & Kashmir to new Space reforms in ISRO to governance reforms under DoPT to biopharma to climate action.
Crediting PM Narendra Modi for Space reforms which had opened the sector to private investment enabling fast-track growth, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Space economy is projected to grow five times in next decade from $8 to $44 billion.
Milestones like the indigenous Gaganyaan Mission, the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 (2027), Shukrayaan(2028), and the Indian Space Station (2030) showcase India’s robust trajectory, are in the pipeline, said the Minister.
Dr. Jitendra Singh shared an in-depth exchange of views with Vijay Tankha, Member of Rajya Sabha, during an exclusive programme on Sansad TV.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored that J&K and its people, including the Kashmiri Pandits, remain at the core of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s priorities. Highlighting the reduced physical and emotional distances, he pointed to expanded train networks and express corridors ensuring all-weather connectivity.
Reiterating the tragic history of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, he emphasized that their plight remains unique, making them homeless in their own country overnight. BJP was the first party to address this sensitive issue, with leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi and L.K. Advani championed the cause.
Dr. Jitendra Singh credited PM Modi’s commitment, evident in his over 35 visits to J&K, for ensuring welfare initiatives, including separate accommodations for Pandits and reintegration into Kashmiri society.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s transformation in the space sector, and credited PM Modi for these reforms, which opened the sector to private investment. The space economy has grown to $8 billion and is projected to touch $44 billion in the next decade. Milestones like the indigenous Gaganyaan Mission, the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 (2027), Shukrayaan (2028), and the Indian Space Station (2030) showcase India’s robust trajectory.
He lauded startups and FDI for fuelling innovation, with missions like SPADEX enabling docking capabilities, marking a leap in technological advancement. The Vyom Mitra robo mission was highlighted as a precursor to human space exploration.
Dr. Jitendra Singh claimed that Biomanufacturing and bio foundries will foster the Fourth Industrial revolution. “India’s bio-economy, backed by abundant resources from the Himalayas to its shores, was spotlighted as a growth driver. As one of the first nations with a dedicated bio-economy policy, India is set to lead global innovation in recycling, manufacturing, and startups in this sector. Dr. Singh reaffirmed the government’s support for knowledge pooling, public-private including collaborations, and startup participation to sustain growth.” He added that India is one pioneer country who has prepared its BIO-E3 policy.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the shift to citizen-centric governance under PM Modi. Initiatives like Mission Karmayogi are redefining bureaucracy by prioritizing role-based capacity building. Digital innovations like the face-recognition-enabled digital life certificate and dynamic online modules have eased citizens’ lives.
India’s commitment to combating climate change and addressing its heterogeneous climatic challenges was reiterated. Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled the PM’s Mission LiFE, promoting sustainable living. He also highlighted India’s leadership in preventive healthcare, meeting global standards in addressing health and environmental concerns.
When asked about his personal passions, Dr. Jitendra Singh revealed his love for reading and poetry. He always carries two books and appreciates literary art as a source of inspiration.
India has emerged as a reliable partner on the world stage, driven by collaborative efforts, transparency, and innovation. The conducive environment created under PM Modi’s leadership has made the nation a hub for startups, businesses, and industries, cementing its position as a leader in technology, sustainability, and governance.