Modi push for innovation, MSMEs

Eyeing the global revolution in techinnovations, the Modi government, in its second innings, is all set to redefine the scope of 'Knowledge and Innovation' at NITI Aayog, the government's economic think tank. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of meetings with technocrats, top officials and key cabinet colleagues, discussing how to radically redefine innovations and technology on the manufacturing front - especially through Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to compete with China.

Overall, the prime focus of the government as well as NITI Aayog remains on accelerating the pace of manufacturing sector in India. On the domestic front, Modi has set his eye on water management, agriculture and security issues and he would likely underline his key priorities once he chairs the first big meeting of NITI Aayog, on June 15.

The government now seems

determined to take the Aayog to a new height, inducting domain specialists from outside the government.

"The PM's dream project is the success of the Atal Innovation Mission,(AIM) the flagship project of NITI Aayog to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. If AIM takes off well, the country would soon be a substitute for China as a global manufacturing hub. In fact AIM complements Make In India, Digital India and Start up India mega projects," said a senior NITI Aayog official.

To provide impetus to the industrial growth, the NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar recently said a slew of bigbang economic reforms are being pursued by the Modi government. These include change in labour laws, privatization moves and land banks for new industrial development. Once the stage is set for a positive industrial environment, the innovation mission will finally accelerate the growth of the manufacturing sector.

Global tech giants such as Adobe, Amazon, Dell, IBM, Intel and Microsoft are already partnering with Atal Innovation Mission. The AIM project serves as a platform for promotion of world-class innovation hubs, and self-employment activities in technology-driven areas.

Through AIM, the government expects a radical change in the country's MSME industry. Modi has given the charge of this crucial ministry to senior colleague Nitin Gadkari, known for delivering the goods in a time-bound manner. .

" I am sure MSME would now be one of the most important ministries in the government as it also addresses the problem of unemployment and lack of a fast-paced industrial growth," said a BJP leader close to Gadkari.

Another big change on the scene is the Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL). It is Modi's long-term plan for revolutionizing young Indian minds. The ATLs are innovation workplaces where do-it-yourself kits on latest technologies like 3D printers, Robotics, Internet of Things, are installed at schools using the government grant. The mission director of AIMs, R. Ramanan, an IITian, says that by next year, 10,000 ATL workplaces in Indian schools will bring radical change in the near future in the field of innovation.

Modi’s objective through the mega ATL project is to enable India to become a global leader in technology and innovations.