New Delhi, Jun 5: As the Modi Government completes 11 years in office, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh described the journey as one of “bold decisions, futuristic reforms and transformative governance,” asserting that these years have redefined India’s development narrative and restored public faith in the system.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the past decade has seen the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi setting new benchmarks in decision-making by prioritizing long-term national interest. “Whether it was the rollout of GST, the push for Digital India, or the opening up of strategic sectors like space and atomic energy to private players, each initiative has been driven by the vision of a self-reliant and globally competitive India,” he said. He also pointed to the Department of Biotechnology’s (DBT) expanded role in fostering innovation, particularly in vaccine development, genetic research, and bio-entrepreneurship, as part of the broader science and technology thrust that has positioned India as a rising global tech hub.
One of the standout features of the Modi era, the Minister noted, has been the seamless integration of traditional governance goals with modern technology. “Under Modi’s leadership, sectors like space, atomic energy, and biotechnology received unprecedented push. The global recognition India enjoys today in these fields is a direct result of consistent support and visionary policies,” he noted.
Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed out that space technology, once limited to rocket launches, is now improving daily life through applications like telemedicine, agricultural weather updates, and online education. “Science is no longer confined to labs—it’s simplifying life, and that’s the true essence of innovation,” he remarked. He also highlighted transformative initiatives such as the JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) trinity, which redefined service delivery across the country. Equally impactful, he said, was the Swachh Bharat Mission, which evolved into a mass social movement, cutting across political lines and reshaping public behaviour.
The Minister also drew attention to Special Campaign 4.0, an initiative aimed at promoting cleanliness, efficiency, and responsible disposal practices within government offices. “Under this campaign, departments not only cleared massive backlogs of files but also turned e-waste into valuable resources,” he said. In one such instance, obsolete electronic equipment was dismantled and recycled to recover precious materials, while thousands of square feet of office space were freed by clearing junk and redundant inventory. “This isn’t just cleanliness—it’s systemic efficiency. What was once waste is now wealth,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said, adding that such efforts have brought a culture of order and accountability into government functioning.
The Minister also spoke about administrative reforms, stating that bureaucratic accountability and ease of governance have significantly improved. “Performance-based assessment and lateral entry have brought a cultural change in administration,” he said, citing Mission Karmayogi as a major structural reform.
Further underscoring the government’s commitment to social security, Dr. Jitendra Singh spoke about progressive pension reforms benefiting women. Family pensions will now continue for childless widows even after remarriage, and divorced daughters are entitled to family pensions if divorce proceedings were initiated while their parents were alive. Additionally, new rules empower female government servants to nominate their children for family pensions in cases of marital disputes.
On foreign policy, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Prime Minister has succeeded in positioning India as a global leader that commands respect and strategic importance. “India’s response to global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, proved its capability as a dependable partner,” he added.
As the government looks ahead, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the foundation has been laid for the next 25 years, leading up to India@100. “This is just the beginning. The next phase will be about accelerating the gains of the last decade and ensuring India’s rightful place in the global order,” he concluded.
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