Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is not only preserving its rich cultural and historical heritage but also making remarkable strides in science, technology, and innovation. In line with this commitment, the government has allocated ₹20,000 crore to encourage private sector-led research, development, and innovation—an unprecedented move.
As part of this initiative, the government is launching the ‘Deep Tech Fund of Funds’ to support next-generation startups by providing financial assistance. This strategic decision will help position India as a global hub for technological advancements and strengthen the nation’s self-reliance in cutting-edge sectors.
To further boost research, the PM Research Fellowship Scheme will grant 10,000 fellowships over the next five years to support advanced studies in premier institutions such as IITs and IISc. This significant investment aims to foster technological breakthroughs and innovation.
In a major step toward food and nutritional security, the government has announced the establishment of India’s second gene bank, comprising 10 lakh germplasm lines. This initiative will not only enhance agricultural sustainability but also help tackle climate change-related challenges and natural calamities.
The budget also introduces the National Geospatial Mission, aimed at developing critical geospatial infrastructure and data frameworks, enabling advancements in mapping, logistics, and urban planning.
Over the past decade, Prime Minister Modi has actively worked to elevate India’s cultural and historical legacy on the global stage. Leveraging technology for heritage preservation, the government has now committed to launching the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’, a nationwide initiative to document, digitize, and preserve over 1 crore ancient manuscripts in collaboration with educational institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors.
In an effort to nurture scientific temperament among students, the government has set an ambitious target of establishing 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in schools over the next five years. Additionally, under the BharatNet Project, all government secondary schools and primary health centers in rural areas will receive broadband connectivity.
The impact of these initiatives is evident—student enrollment in IITs has doubled from 65,000 in 2014 to 1.35 lakh in 2024, demonstrating the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education.
To further promote education in regional languages, the government has launched the ‘Indian Language Book Initiative’, which will facilitate the availability of digital books for higher education and schools in Indian languages. Additionally, in collaboration with global experts, five National Centers for Excellence in Skills Development will be established to equip youth with skills essential for the ‘Make for India, Make for the World’ initiative. These centers will focus on curriculum design, instructor training, certification frameworks, and periodic reviews.
In a major push for Artificial Intelligence (AI) education, the budget earmarks ₹500 crore for the establishment of AI Centers of Excellence. Furthermore, amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act have been proposed to boost India’s nuclear energy capabilities.
The government is also launching the ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’, with an allocation of ₹20,000 crore for research and development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The goal is to develop five indigenous SMRs by 2033, significantly advancing India’s energy security.
The Budget 2025 lays the foundation for India’s next phase of growth, ensuring that innovation and technology remain at the forefront of national development. With these bold steps, PM Modi’s vision for a Developed India by 2047 is steadily becoming a reality.
