The Start-up movement, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is making significant strides across India, reaching even the smaller towns and cities. A two-day event called the "Young Start-up Expo," held in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, aims to provide a platform for budding entrepreneurs and explore new avenues for industry in the region.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy, and Space, inaugurated the expo. He emphasized the government's commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the region has been given top priority. He highlighted how Jammu & Kashmir is now competing with developed states and union territories in terms of development.
The minister also mentioned the significant achievements of India on the international stage, such as attaining the G20 Presidency in 2023 and the UN's recognition of the year as the International Year of Millets, attributing these successes to the efforts of PM Narendra Modi.
One of the key points highlighted by Dr. Jitendra Singh was the phenomenal growth of start-ups in India. Over the past nine years, the number of start-ups in the country has increased from around 350 to more than 90,000, with over 100 unicorns. The minister praised the talent, capability, innovation, and creativity of Indian youth, which, he believes, were previously hindered by the lack of a favourable environment and adequate support from political leadership. However, he credited Prime Minister Modi for providing the necessary patronage and creating a conducive ecosystem for start-ups to thrive.
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that the focus of the Modi-led government has not only been on creating employment but also on fostering entrepreneurship. The "StartUp India, StandUp India" mantra coined by PM Modi has played a crucial role in generating millions of job opportunities for the country's youth. This initiative has encouraged young individuals to break away from the traditional mindset of seeking government jobs and instead explore entrepreneurship, thereby creating new opportunities in various sectors and boosting job creation.
Dr. Zabeer Ahmad, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, hailed the event as a historic moment for Udhampur district. He stressed the importance of the local community and neighboring districts' participation in the "Start-up Conclave." Dr. Ahmad highlighted the significant economic benefits that start-ups can bring to the region and urged attendees to take advantage of the informative sessions and counseling opportunities available during the conclave.
The "Young Start-up Expo" in Udhampur witnessed the presence of several esteemed individuals, including Lal Chand, Chairperson of DDC Udhampur; Juhi Manhas Pathania, Vice Chairperson of DDC; Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM; Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur; Mohammad Suleman Choudhary, DIG of Udhampur-Reasi Range; Dr. Vinod Kumar, SSP of Udhampur; as well as BDCs, DDCs, and other district administration officers.
