PM Modi launches Indian Space Association, says ‘Big reforms for the space sector in India’
At the virtual launch event, PM Modi said that the government can no longer act as a handler for the Space sector, but rather has to work as an enabler.
FollowPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched the Indian Space Association (ISpA) which is an industry body focused on space policy and growth in the country, via video-conferencing. He also interacted with the representatives of the space industry on the occasion.
At the virtual launch event, PM Modi said that the government can no longer act as a handler for the Space sector, but rather has to work as an enabler. He said that the government’s policies will help ensure innovation in the private space sector. ISRO’s facilities will also be opened up to the private sector, he said during his address.
We are a decisive government. We have taken big reforms for the space sector in India, he further said.
"Our approach for space reforms is based on these pillars. The first is to give full freedom to innovate to the private sector. Second, the government sector will work as an enabler. The third is getting the youth ready for the future. We have new thinking around space sector. No time for linear innovation. Time for exponential innovation. Govt will have to be enabler, not handler in space sector," said PM Modi.
He added, “With the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' vision, our country is witnessing comprehensive reforms. It's not just vision, but a well thought & integrated economic strategy that is facilitating global development.”
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PM Modi stressed that we should encourage women participation in space sector.
“India seeing reforms on such a wide scale because its vision is clear, which is about having 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Today is also 'International Day of the Girl Child', how can we forget celebrations of India's Mars mission by the women scientists. I hope reforms in the space sector encourages more women participation,” the PM said.
PM Modi said space technology can play an important role in the welfare of the nation. India has end-to-end space technology from launch vehicles to satellites, etc, he pointed out.
He also said the world is moving away from the Information Technology age to the Space age and that India cannot be left behind.
The space needs an open platform approach as well. Startups and private enterprises need to find new avenues in the Space sector, he stressed.
In-Space will help boost the private space sector. He says the space sector for India will mean better forecast for farmers, for fishermen, a better watch of our ecology, and better forecasting of natural disasters. "The country's vision is clear: Atmanirbhar Bharat. It is a well-thought, integrated economic strategy," PM Modi said.
