Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh Emphasizes the Role of Innovation and Technology in Enhancing Citizens’ Lives

New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the transformative potential of innovation and technology in resolving day-to-day inconveniences faced by citizens. He expressed that innovation is not confined to scientists alone; it can be fostered by anyone with a change in mindset and approach. Dr. Jitendra Singh made these remarks during the formal launch of the Monograph on Innovations in Public Administration compiled by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) in New Delhi.

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences; and MoS in PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, reiterated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Ease of Living’ through innovation and the institutionalization of innovation in technological development.

Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that innovation goes beyond enhancing living conditions and can lead to multiple benefits for society by bringing about social change in behavior. He stated that many of these innovations would provide citizens with numerous options given the current technological landscape.

Inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that the use of technology would enable governance and justice delivery systems to reach the poorest, marginalized, and women living in remote areas. He stressed the pivotal role of digital innovation in transforming India into a digitally empowered society and a knowledge economy over the next decade.

The Minister directed the Capacity Building Commission to promote innovations in public administration through films and videos, leveraging social media platforms for wider outreach. Dr. Jitendra Singh also suggested utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics to drive innovation.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman CBC, Shri Adil Zainulbhai, stated that the monograph is inspired by the idea of ‘One India, One Team.’ The aim is to create a comprehensive database of case studies for civil servants across India to access a repository of innovations and inspire fellow citizens.

During the presentation on innovations, Shri Praveen Pardeshi, Member, CBC, highlighted a case study involving onboarding local communities in Jammu and Kashmir near border areas on the Government E-Marketplace (GeM) portal. This initiative aimed at procuring locally produced products like milk, fresh fruits, and vegetables, showcasing the human face of the Indian Army. Another case study focused on ‘One District One Product’ for mushroom cultivation in Assam.

Dr. R Balasubramaniam, Member, CBC, mentioned that the Commission received 243 innovations from 25 states in 13 thematic areas, such as Agriculture, Railways, Livelihood, Water Conservation, etc. After a rigorous three-layered selection process, 15 innovations were included in the monograph, reflecting the diverse and impactful initiatives across the country.