Jammu: Union minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said tier-2 and tier-3 cities are now producing a majority of India’s start-up founders and UPSC toppers, reflecting a transformative role of technology and digital connectivity in democratising opportunities across the country.
Addressing an award ceremony organised here to felicitate toppers of classes 10 and 12 from various schools across the Jammu region, Singh said that a similar trend is being witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir as well.
Citing examples, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office said the border district of Poonch produced the 11th All-India rank holder in the Civil Services Examination, while successful agri-startups and entrepreneurs are emerging from districts such as Doda and Budgam, reflecting the growing talent and aspirations in the region.
“Out of around 2.30 lakh startups in the country, nearly 50 percent are based in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. This reflects the growing entrepreneurial spirit beyond metropolitan centres,” he said addressing the gathering.
Singh said over 35 to 40 percent of start-ups today are women-led, underscoring the increasing participation of women in India’s innovation-driven growth.
He observed that a similar trend is visible in the field of civil services, where many of the country’s top-performing candidates are now emerging from smaller towns and districts.
He said this marks a significant departure from the earlier pattern when metropolitan cities were traditionally regarded as the primary hubs of elite educational and professional opportunities.
Emphasizing the impact of technology, the minister said the widespread availability of digital tools and internet connectivity has created a level playing field for aspiring youth across the country.
With more than 100 crore smartphone users in India, students now have access to affordable and accessible learning resources as well as employment opportunities, regardless of their geographical location, he said.
He also noted that successful civil services examination candidates are increasingly emerging from smaller towns and districts such as Rajouri and Kishtwar, demonstrating the expanding reach of quality educational resources and competitive examination preparation.
Singh said these developments reflect a broader socio-economic transformation in the country, where talent and excellence are no longer confined to metropolitan centres but are flourishing across India’s smaller towns and districts.
Highlighting the transformational impact of the National Education Policy (NEP), the minister said the policy has empowered students by giving them the flexibility to choose subjects according to their interests and aptitude.
He also referred to initiatives such as the Vigyan Jyoti mentorship programme, which encourages young school girls to pursue careers in innovation and technology and provides them with guidance and support to realise their potential.
Earlier, at another function, the minister highlighted the achievements of the Department of AYUSH in Jammu and Kashmir and said substantial progress has been made in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding AYUSH services across the Union Territory.
He said that three AYUSH colleges -Ayurvedic College at Akhnoor, Unani College at Ganderbal, and Homoeopathy College at Kathua- have been established to promote quality education and healthcare in traditional systems of medicine.
Singh said 523 AYUSH dispensaries have been upgraded into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs under the National AYUSH Mission. In addition, five 50-bed and two 10-bed AYUSH hospitals are being established across Jammu and Kashmir under the mission to enhance healthcare accessibility.
Jitendra Singh links yoga for healthy ageing to vision 2047
Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday highlighted the importance of yoga for healthy ageing and its role in realising India’s Vision 2047.
Talking to reporters at a function organised by the Jammu administration at Government College for Women Gandhi Nagar, he said the theme of this year’s International Yoga Day — “Yoga for Healthy Ageing” — holds special significance as India’s life expectancy continues to rise and the country moves towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address, Singh said yoga has emerged as a global movement since the United Nations adopted June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.
“The observance of International Yoga Day over the past 12 years coincides with the 12-year tenure of the Modi government and reflects India’s growing contribution to global wellness and healthcare,” the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s office said.
Highlighting the importance of the theme, Singh said as the number of senior citizens increases, it is essential to ensure that they remain healthy, active and capable of contributing meaningfully to society.
He said maintaining good health through yoga is not merely a personal concern but also a matter of national importance.
“Every citizen has a role to play in building a developed India by 2047. Yoga can help people remain physically fit and mentally resilient as they age, enabling them to continue serving society and contributing to nation-building,” he said.
Hundreds of participants, including students, government officials, security personnel and members of civil society, took part in the collective yoga session organised as part of the celebrations.
Similar programmes were held across the Jammu region to mark the occasion, promoting awareness about the benefits of yoga for physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Army and Border Security Personnel deployed along the borders also organised special yoga sessions, while CRPF and J&K Police also observed Yoga day with special programmes in Jammu and other districts.
CRPF troops were seen celebrating the International Yoga day at Anji Bridge, India’s only cable-stayed infrastructure along the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link in Reasi district.
The Indian Institute of Management, Jammu also organised a special function inside its campus, promoting healthy ageing, inner harmony, and lifelong wellness.
