Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has transformed education by promoting aptitude-based learning, skills and entrepreneurship, giving students from Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns equal opportunities to compete with their peers in metropolitan cities.
Virtually addressing a two-day conference on NEP 2020 organised by Government Degree College, Doda, he said the policy has shifted higher education from degree-centric learning to innovation, skill development and entrepreneurship, preparing youth for the knowledge economy.
Highlighting India’s startup growth, the Minister said the country has become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with more than half of the startups emerging from smaller towns. He said Doda has the potential to become a hub for Himalayan startups, particularly in aroma-based enterprises and innovation.
Referring to the Lavender Revolution under the CSIR Aroma Mission, Dr. Jitendra Singh said it has demonstrated how science-led entrepreneurship can generate sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.
He also urged educational institutions to connect students with research, startups and government entrepreneurship schemes, adding that digital connectivity has enabled youth from remote regions to access quality education and new opportunities. He called upon teachers to prepare students as innovators and nation-builders for the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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