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CM Mohan Charan Majhi Declares Science & Technology the Cornerstone of India's Global Rise

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 2:34 GMT by The New Indian Express
      Locale: INDIA

Science and Technology: The Cornerstone of India’s Global Rise – Insights from CM Mohan Charan Majhi

In a recent address that drew national attention, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi underscored that “science and technology are the keys to India’s global rise.” Speaking to a gathering of scientists, technocrats and industry leaders, Majhi outlined a roadmap that not only promises to elevate India’s standing on the world stage but also to ensure inclusive, sustainable growth at home. By weaving together ambitious policy goals, strategic investment plans and a pragmatic call to action, the CM’s message resonates with a nation that has long aspired to be a global leader in innovation.

1. The Vision: A Technology‑Driven India

Majhi began by framing the contemporary global order as a “knowledge economy,” where innovation is the engine of prosperity. He highlighted how emerging economies that prioritize research and development (R&D) consistently outperform their counterparts in GDP per capita, exports, and employment quality. “India’s future hinges on our ability to harness science and technology, not just to consume but to create, to innovate, and to lead,” he said. He cited India’s successes in information technology, pharmaceuticals, and space exploration as proof points while urging the state to go beyond these sectors.

2. Government Initiatives That Anchor the Strategy

The CM’s speech mapped a clear set of initiatives designed to build a robust ecosystem:

Majhi stressed that while each initiative is important in isolation, their true power lies in integration. For example, the NDHM could feed data to AI research labs, which in turn could develop predictive models for health policy—a virtuous cycle that ties technology to tangible outcomes.

3. Funding, Policy, and Talent – The Three Pillars

R&D Spending

A recurring theme in Majhi’s address was the need to elevate India’s R&D spend from the current 0.6% of GDP to at least 1.5% by 2030. He urged a multi‑pronged approach: increasing direct public investment, incentivizing private sector R&D through tax credits, and aligning corporate R&D mandates with national priorities.

Policy Reforms

Policy barriers often stifle innovation. The CM highlighted plans to simplify patent filing procedures, reduce the time for start‑up approvals, and streamline cross‑state regulation. He referenced an ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Science & Technology to roll out a “One‑Stop Innovation Hub” in every major city—a platform that would house R&D labs, incubation centers, and funding pools.

Talent Development

Majhi acknowledged the “talent crunch” facing India’s technology sector. To tackle this, he announced a state‑wide “STEM Scholarship Initiative,” targeting students in under‑privileged districts. Additionally, he called for a partnership between the Department of Higher Education and industry giants to create industry‑aligned curricula, internships, and research grants.

4. Challenges on the Horizon

The CM did not shy away from the obstacles that lie ahead. He cited three main challenges:

1. Infrastructure Gaps – While major metros enjoy 5G and fiber connectivity, rural areas still lag behind. Majhi pledged state funding to accelerate rural broadband and electrification, citing the “Digital Villages” project as a blueprint.

2. Brain Drain – Talented scientists and engineers often seek opportunities abroad. The CM announced a “Return of Talent” scheme offering competitive salaries, research grants, and housing incentives for returning expatriates.

3. Regulatory Hurdles – Bureaucratic red tape remains a major bottleneck for tech firms. To address this, he announced the creation of a “Regulatory Reform Cell” that would liaise with central ministries to expedite approvals and standardize processes.

5. The Role of Innovation Ecosystems

Majhi stressed that technology is not just about high‑end labs; it is also about grassroots innovation. He highlighted the success of local innovation hubs in Chhattisgarh—small research centers that collaborate with local artisans to develop sustainable materials. “These hubs are proof that innovation can be democratic and inclusive,” he remarked.

The CM also referenced the National Innovation Foundation’s efforts to bring inventions from the “street to the market.” This included a pilot program that connected local inventors with large corporations for licensing deals. The result, he noted, was a 30% increase in patent filings from rural regions over the past year.

6. The Call to Action

In closing, Majhi urged all stakeholders—government, academia, industry, and citizens—to join hands. “The future is a collaborative tapestry,” he said. “If we collectively invest in science, foster a culture of curiosity, and create enabling policies, India will not just participate in the global economy but will shape it.”

Takeaway

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s address serves as a clarion call for India to double down on science and technology as the engine of its global rise. By aligning policy, funding, and talent development, and by tackling infrastructure and regulatory hurdles, the CM paints a realistic yet ambitious roadmap. The integration of multiple initiatives—from Digital India to the Space Program—underscores the holistic nature of the strategy. For India, the message is clear: the future is bright, but only if the nation commits to nurturing the very ideas and innovations that will drive it forward.