Union Minister Jitendra Singh Proposes National Geospatial Data Repository and PPP Model to Boost Innovation

New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today proposed the creation of a National Geospatial Data Repository and emphasized a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to foster innovation in India. The announcement was made while Dr. Singh chaired a joint meeting of all Science Ministries and Departments at Prithvi Bhavan.

During the meeting, Dr. Singh directed the Department of Space, Department of Science and Technology, and the Ministry of Earth Sciences to develop a unified Geospatial interface. This platform aims to integrate the industry and startup ecosystem, enabling the creation of innovative and indigenous products that benefit farmers, rural artisans, and other communities.

Dr. Singh, who holds multiple portfolios including Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Atomic Energy, underscored the importance of a seamless Geo-ICT infrastructure. He advocated for a sustainable ecosystem that pools knowledge and resources in collaboration with non-governmental sectors through the PPP model.

“The early linkage with industry and scaling initiatives like these can multiply benefits for the common people,” Dr. Singh stated. He assured that all departments under his ministry would work in coordination to achieve these shared objectives.

The meeting also reviewed the upcoming National Space Day celebrations, set to culminate with a major event on August 23 at Bharat Mandapam. Dr. Singh took stock of other important events planned for the coming days and discussed progress on the proposed “Vigyan Shakti” portal. He offered insights based on his experience with scientific portals, emphasizing the need for integration and improvement.

The Unified Web Repository of Indian Science and Technology, which is set to go live, was also presented to Dr. Singh. He provided guidance on further enhancing the portal to serve as a single nodal point for all scientific departments.

Additionally, Dr. Singh reviewed the status of the “One Common Portal” for all research under the Department of Biotechnology. He concluded the meeting by recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India @2047, highlighting the crucial role of science and technology in achieving this vision.

The meeting was attended by key figures including Dr. A.K. Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of Biotechnology; Shri. Ravi Chandran, Secretary of Earth Sciences; and Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG of CSIR. ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath joined the meeting online.