STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, in an exclusive conversation with Sansad TV, touched upon a wide range of subjects, from the tragic history of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus to India’s rapid advancements in space exploration, governance reforms, and the bio-economy sector.Dr. Singh began by addressing the emotional and historical significance of the Kashmiri Pandit exodus, calling their plight unique in that they were rendered homeless in their own country overnight. He emphasized that Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued commitment to their welfare. Dr. Singh noted that BJP was the first party to address this sensitive issue, with leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi and L.K. Advani championing the cause. Under PM Modi’s leadership, over 35 visits to Jammu and Kashmir have ensured initiatives for the welfare of the community, including separate accommodations and reintegration into Kashmiri society.Shifting to India’s achievements in space exploration, Dr. Singh credited PM Modi for reforms in the space sector that have opened doors for private investment, fueling the growth of the space economy. He highlighted the upcoming milestones such as the indigenous Gaganyaan Mission, Chandrayaan-4 (2027), Shukrayaan (2028), and the Indian Space Station (2030). The space economy, currently valued at $8 billion, is projected to grow fivefold in the next decade, reaching $44 billion, Dr. Singh said. The minister also lauded innovations like the Vyom Mitra robo mission, a precursor to human space exploration, and the SPADEX mission that will enable docking capabilities.In the field of bio-manufacturing, Dr. Singh pointed out that India’s bio-economy is poised to lead the global market. Supported by abundant resources from the Himalayas to the shores, India is among the first nations to have a dedicated bio-economy policy, which is expected to fuel growth in recycling, manufacturing, and startups. Dr. Singh also highlighted India’s commitment to public-private partnerships and startup involvement to sustain the sector’s development.Dr. Singh further discussed the shift toward citizen-centric governance under PM Modi’s leadership. Initiatives like Mission Karmayogi aim to enhance bureaucratic efficiency through role-based capacity building. Digital innovations, such as the face-recognition-enabled digital life certificate, are simplifying citizens’ interactions with government services.Reaffirming India’s commitment to combating climate change, Dr. Singh praised PM Modi’s Mission LiFE, which encourages sustainable living. He also highlighted India’s leadership in preventive healthcare, meeting global standards in addressing both health and environmental concerns.When asked about his personal passions, Dr. Jitendra Singh shared his love for reading and poetry, revealing that he always carries two books with him and draws inspiration from literary art.