Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences; and Minister of State in the PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, today highlighted India’s achievements in governance innovation and technology-driven public service delivery during an interaction with participants of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) in New Delhi.

Addressing participants from 19 countries, Dr Singh said that India’s best governance practices, such as the Aadhaar-enabled digital identity system and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, have transformed service delivery through transparency, speed, and technology. He encouraged participants to share innovative governance models from their own nations, emphasising the importance of mutual learning and collaboration.

“Our governance model today thrives on innovation — both in technology and in creative problem-solving,” Dr Singh noted. “Nearly 90 per cent of the Government of India’s processes are now conducted online, ensuring continuity even during the pandemic. Technology has become the most powerful tool for promoting transparency, efficiency, and accountability.”

He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has undergone a major transformation in governance, with innovation becoming central to public policy and administration. “From infrastructure planning to digital service delivery, innovation is now a way of life in governance,” he remarked.

Dr Singh also described the session as a two-way learning experience, noting that the ITEC programme has trained over 2,500 officials to date, including 34 participants from 19 countries in the current batch. The initiative, he said, has become a global platform for exchanging governance ideas and best practices.

Responding to participants’ questions on urban governance challenges such as traffic management, Dr Singh cited India’s use of smart monitoring systems and digital enforcement mechanisms as examples of how technology can simplify administration and improve citizen trust. “Innovation and citizen participation go hand in hand in building more responsive governance systems,” he said.

He urged ITEC participants to remain connected virtually with IIPA and the Ministry of External Affairs after returning to their countries, encouraging them to share updates and experiences regularly. “With the technology available today, physical boundaries no longer limit cooperation. We can stay in touch online and continue learning from one another,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Dr Singh joined ITEC delegates in participating in the Swachhata Hi Sewa campaign and a plantation drive under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, underscoring the government’s focus on sustainability, environmental awareness, and citizen engagement.

Concluding his remarks, Dr Singh reaffirmed that India’s global partnerships through initiatives such as ITEC reflect Prime Minister Modi’s vision of shared growth, inclusive governance, and collective innovation for a better and more connected world.