Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Emphasizes Industry Linkages for Start-Up Sustainability

Jammu: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, underscored the crucial need for strong industry-management linkages to ensure the sustainability of start-ups. He made these remarks during the inaugural session of the Orientation Programme for the new batch of MBA students at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Jagti, on the outskirts of Jammu city.

Highlighting the significant role of institutions like IIM in fostering start-up success, Dr. Singh stated, “Most successful start-up stories have been possible due to strong industry linkages.” He cited the Aroma mission as a prime example, where the government played an enabling role by building capacity for those engaged in agri start-ups in lavender, facilitating market access for Himalayan products like lavender-made perfumes and other items.

Dr. Singh emphasized that tapping into Himalayan bio-resources and unexplored coastal minerals can significantly enhance India’s economy and promote ‘AtmaNirbharta’ (self-reliance). He remarked, “India’s coastal states and Himalayan states/UTs like J&K have a lot to offer to the country’s future economy.”

Addressing the aspirational generation, Dr. Singh noted that it is a better time under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with start-ups booming and new opportunities emerging. He highlighted technology as a great leveller, providing equal opportunities to everyone, regardless of their region.

“The youth must harness technology, which has created a level-playing field for societal good,” he urged, pointing out that technology was previously a privilege for a few. He encouraged students to prepare themselves for leadership roles in India’s future, particularly by 2047, when the country marks its centenary of independence. He credited the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introduced by Prime Minister Modi, as a significant contributor to this goal.

Reflecting on IIM-Jammu’s progress, Dr. Singh praised the institution’s rapid rise in just a few years. “From its infancy, when finding faculty was a challenge, IIM-Jammu has come a long way in its journey,” he said. He highlighted the establishment of IIM Jammu as a pivotal step toward providing quality education and producing leaders to drive the nation’s growth and development towards achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

Dr. Singh advocated for greater collaboration and synergy among institutions for the benefit of students, stating, “The age of working in silos is over; the era of collaboration is here.” He encouraged IIM-Jammu, AIIMS-Jammu, IIT-Jammu, and the Central University of Jammu to forge partnerships by signing MoUs on Research and Development and Artificial Intelligence.