Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh took charge as the Chairman of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) for the third consecutive term at the IIPA campus in New Delhi. The occasion was marked by the inauguration of two state-of-the-art ‘Smart Conference Halls,’ aimed at enhancing the digital and immersive learning experience for students and professionals alike.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, who also serves as the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and MoS Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, emphasized the importance of these new facilities. He remarked, “Smart Conference halls are a step towards Prime Minister Modi’s Vision of Amrit Kaal.” With the addition of these two halls, the IIPA now boasts a total of nine conference halls, enabling the simultaneous conduct of multiple seminars, thereby significantly improving the overall quality of learning.
During his speech, Dr. Singh lauded the IIPA for its unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the fields of Statistics, Public Policy, and Administration. He highlighted, ‘India is gradually realizing the importance of statistics, which was well recognized in the 18th-century world curriculum.’
As the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Singh noted the growing relevance of geo-spatial technology, stating, ‘Precise image gathering and high accuracy give a disruptive advantage to the countries which have excelled in it.’ He underscored the importance of this technology in today’s world and encouraged its adoption for strategic benefits.
Addressing the probationers of the Indian Statistical Services, Dr. Singh urged them to become the backbone of India’s statistical framework. He stated, ‘Precision in data gathering is not a privilege but a necessity to compete in global affairs. As civil servants, it’s our responsibility to make India a leader in statistics.’ He also advised them to integrate next-generation technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to enhance efficiency and fully harness their potential.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Singh highlighted India’s initiatives under the ‘Deep Ocean Mission,’ aimed at exploring and utilizing the vast, untapped ocean and marine resources. He emphasized that optimal utilization of these underutilized resources will be pivotal to achieving a vibrant Amrit Kaal by 2047.
The Minister extended his best wishes to the young officers of the Indian Statistical Service, encouraging them to contribute positively to India’s development and progress. He expressed his confidence in their potential to drive the nation forward in their respective roles within the Government of India.
