Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the significant changes in India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government completed 12 years in power. He emphasized that the nation has evolved into an aspirational society driven by opportunities, innovation, and self-assurance. Singh credited governance reforms, technological progress, and citizen-focused policies for altering how Indians perceive their future and potential for success.
Singh highlighted a notable shift in public mindset over the past decade, with more people believing in achieving success through talent, hard work, and merit. This change is particularly evident among young Indians and individuals from smaller towns who are now actively competing and excelling at a national level.
The minister pointed out the remarkable growth of India’s startup ecosystem since 2014, with the number of startups expanding from 350-400 to over 2.3 lakh, generating approximately 25 lakh jobs nationwide. Notably, nearly half of these startups are located in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, with a significant portion led by women entrepreneurs, indicating increased access to opportunities.
Singh also highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s space sector, showcasing the country’s burgeoning innovation-driven economy. The space startup count has surged from single digits a few years ago to nearly 400 today, with one achieving unicorn status recently. India’s space economy, currently valued at $9 billion, is projected to grow fivefold to approximately $45 billion in the next seven to eight years.
The minister commended early reforms by the Modi government that have fostered a more citizen-centric governance structure. Notable initiatives include allowing self-attestation of documents instead of mandatory gazetted-officer verification, reflecting a trust in citizens. Additionally, the elimination of interviews for specific government job categories has reduced discretion and opportunities for misconduct, enhancing transparency and merit-based selection processes.
