Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh addressed the valedictory function of the 2-day National StartUp Conference RASE 2024 at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar. He emphasized that a change in mindset and the exploration of regional resources are crucial for the success of startups in Jammu & Kashmir.
Dr. Singh highlighted the significant growth of the startup movement in India over the past decade, attributing much of this success to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Start-up India Stand-up India” initiative. He recalled that the number of startups in India had increased from 350-400 a decade ago to 1.5 lakh today, placing India third globally in the startup ecosystem.
However, Dr. Singh noted that the startup movement had not progressed as rapidly in Jammu & Kashmir. He attributed this to a long-standing preference for government jobs as the primary source of livelihood, which has influenced the mindset of both youngsters and their parents. He stressed the need to create awareness that employment opportunities extend beyond government jobs and that startups can offer lucrative career paths.
Dr. Singh advocated for leveraging regional resources, particularly in the agriculture sector, as the main area for startups in Jammu & Kashmir. He cited the success of the Aroma Mission and the resulting Purple Revolution, which originated in small towns like Bhaderwah and Gulmarg and has gained nationwide recognition. He highlighted that nearly 5,000 young people have taken up lavender farming as part of agri-startups, earning substantial incomes. This success has inspired some corporate sector employees to switch to lavender farming. The Aroma Mission’s impact is being replicated in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and some northeastern states.
Dr. Singh suggested that Jammu & Kashmir could also explore agri-startups in floriculture, supported by the CSIR’s floriculture mission. Additionally, he mentioned the potential for startups in handicrafts, horticulture, and textiles, which are rich domains in the region.
The Minister emphasized the importance of integrating academia, research, and industry to foster startup success. He called on research institutes and industrial agencies to collaborate on a single platform. Dr. Singh proposed that institutions in Jammu & Kashmir, including CSIR, IIT, IIM, AIIMS, SKIMS, SKUAST, NIT, and Government Medical Colleges, should join forces for joint startup endeavors.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Singh underscored the need for a fundamental shift in thinking to drive India’s economy toward becoming a “Developed India” by 2047. He highlighted the importance of linking academic institutions with industry partners to ensure sustainable growth and support for startups.
Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed the Ministry of Science and Technology’s commitment to supporting startups and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship across various sectors in Jammu & Kashmir.
