Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches VISION Portal to Empower Underprivileged Youth

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the VISION Portal (Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network) on 21 November 2024 in New Delhi. Developed by the Utsav Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Gurugram, the portal aims to uplift underprivileged youth through education, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience by funding student internships and fostering innovation.

India’s Expanding Startup Ecosystem

India’s startup ecosystem, now the third-largest globally, grew from 350 startups in 2014 to 1.67 lakh in 2024, supported by initiatives like the Startup India Programme launched in 2016. Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted how this growth is democratizing opportunities for underprivileged populations, with dedicated funds for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women entrepreneurs under DPIIT’s leadership.

Vision Portal’s Targeted Goals

Student Innovation: Funds and mentors school, ITI, and college students for entrepreneurial projects addressing societal challenges.
Skill Development: Empowers youth with internships and training to enhance problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills.
Inclusive Growth: Focuses on projects promoting technological advancements and societal impact.

Tech-Driven Progress and Policies

Dr. Singh emphasized the role of technology in bridging rural-urban divides, citing success stories like lavender farming startups in Jammu and Kashmir. India’s biotech startups grew from 50 in 2014 to 9,000 today, propelled by the Bio-E3 policy for economic, employment, and environmental sustainability. He lauded initiatives like private rocket manufacturing and flexibility under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, enabling students to pursue diverse career paths.

Vision India 2047 and Future Aspirations

The VISION Portal aligns with the Vision India 2047 framework, which aims to position India as a global leader in innovation, technology, and economic growth. “VISION adds to Vision India 2047,” Dr. Singh remarked, expressing optimism for a future where public-private partnerships and inclusive education fuel nationwide progress.

Why in News	Key Points
Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurates VISION Portal	– Portal: VISION (Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network). – Launched on: 21 November 2024. – Developed by: Utsav Foundation (Non-profit, Gurugram). – Objective: Empower underprivileged youth through education, skill development, and innovation. – Focus: Funds internships and fosters student innovation for societal challenges. – Target: Students from schools, ITIs, and colleges. – Encourages entrepreneurship and technological advancements.
India’s Startup Ecosystem	– India: 3rd largest startup ecosystem globally. – Growth: From 350 startups in 2014 to 1.67 lakh in 2024. – Government Initiative: Startup India Programme (launched on 16 January 2016). – Support for: SCs, STs, Women through DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. – Focus: Innovation and economic growth.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020	– Allows students to combine diverse subjects. – Facilitates unconventional career paths.
Biotechnology in India	– Biotech startups: From 50 in 2014 to nearly 9,000 today. – Policy: Bio-E3 policy for economic growth, employment, and environment.
Vision India 2047	– Focus on positioning India as a global leader in technology, education, and economic growth.
Dr. Jitendra Singh’s Role	– Current Position: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Science and Technology.
Notable Innovations	– Lavender farming startups in Jammu & Kashmir. – Private rocket manufacturing startup established in Hyderabad.