Country’s endeavour to ensure benefits of space program reach out to poorest: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said, country’s endeavour is to ensure the benefits of the space program reach out to the poorest.
Interacting with key industries, startups and academia from the Space sector via video conferencing to encourage their participation in space activities, Mr Modi expressed hope that the country would soon become the manufacturing hub of space assets.
He said, reforms in the space sector is not limited to ensuring Ease of Doing Business but also help being provided at each and every stage.
The Prime Minister said, just like Indian talent has been able to attain worldwide fame in the IT sector, it will be able to do so in the Space sector as well.
The Union Cabinet took the historic decision in June this year to open up the Space sector and enable the participation of Indian private sector in the entire gamut of space activities.
With the creation of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe), the reforms will provide a level playing field for private companies and start-ups.
The Prime Minister thanked the participants for providing feedback about their experience so far.
He said that the decision to unlock India’s potential in the Space sector has heralded a new age of public-private partnership in this sector.
He assured the participants of complete and wholehearted support of the government in this endeavour.
He noted that the professionalism and transparency in policies as well as the decision-making process of the government will prove beneficial for the companies joining the Space sector.
Taking note of the plans of companies to make rockets and satellites, the Prime Minister remarked that this marks a big change that will further strengthen India’s foray into the Space sector.
The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of the Space sector in communication and navigation.
Dr K. Sivan, Secretary, Department of Space (DOS) and Chairman, ISRO, briefed the Prime Minister on various proposals received from industry for obtaining permission from IN-SPACe and support from the Department of Space.
He informed that more than 25 industries have already approached DOS for undertaking their space activities.
During the interaction, the participants provided feedback on the reforms to the Prime Minister.
Participants also suggested opening up ISRO facilities for children to draw them further into this sector
