National Geospatial Data Repository and PPP Model Proposed by Minister Jitendra Singh
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh proposed the creation of a National Geospatial Data Repository and a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model during a joint meeting of all Science Ministries and Departments of the Government of India at Prithvi Bhavan today.
In his address, Dr. Singh directed the Department of Space, Department of Science and Technology, and Ministry of Earth Sciences to develop a unified geospatial interface. This interface is intended to be utilized by the industry and startup ecosystem to create innovative, indigenous products aimed at benefiting farmers, rural artisans, and other communities.
The Minister stressed the importance of a seamless connection of Geo-ICT infrastructure and advocated for a sustainable ecosystem that leverages knowledge and resources through collaboration with the non-governmental sector in a PPP model. He underscored the significance of early industry linkage and the potential for widespread benefits to the public once initiatives like these achieve scale and volume. He assured that all departments under the ministry would work in coordination to meet common objectives.
A key focus of the meeting was the review of the upcoming National Space Day celebrations, particularly the main event on 23rd August at Bharat Mandapam. Dr. Singh also reviewed the progress on the proposed "Vigyan Shakti" portal, providing insightful feedback based on his experience with scientific portals.
The meeting included a discussion on the development of a unified web repository for Indian science and technology, which is in the process of being made live. Feedback collection and further integration of the portal were also discussed, with the aim of establishing a single nodal point for all scientific departments.
Dr. Singh reviewed the status of a proposed common portal for all types of research under the Department of Biotechnology. As the meeting concluded, he recalled the Prime Minister’s vision of India @2047 and highlighted the crucial role of science and technology in realizing that vision.
The meeting was attended by Dr. A.K. Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India; Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology; Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Biotechnology; Ravi Chandran, Secretary, Earth Sciences; and Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR. Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, joined the meeting online.