New Delhi, April 10 Artificial intelligence will soon become an integral part of governance and everyday life, but it must be used as an enabling tool rather than a replacement for human intelligence, Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh said on Friday.
Addressing VAKTAVYA 2026 here, Singh highlighted the growing importance of emerging technologies and said AI is no longer optional but inevitable.
He stressed that while AI can significantly aid research, analysis and decision-making, it should work alongside human intelligence in a “hybrid model” rather than overshadow it.
The minister also spoke about India’s progress in the energy sector, highlighting the indigenously developed Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) as a major milestone towards self-reliant energy security.
“The reactor uses plutonium with liquid sodium as a coolant, allowing higher energy output with lower input, and will help pave the way for thorium-based reactors in the future, leveraging India’s vast thorium reserves,” he said.
On the startup ecosystem, Singh said India has emerged as one of the leading startup hubs globally, with more than two lakh startups now operational.
“Nearly half of these are coming from tier-2 and tier-3 cities such as Sonipat, Panipat and Surat, showing how innovation is spreading beyond major urban centres,” he mentioned.
He also pointed to the rising participation of women in entrepreneurship.
Highlighting education reforms, Singh said the National Education Policy has brought a major shift by giving students more flexibility in choosing subjects and exploring interdisciplinary learning.
“This allows students to align their education with their interests and career goals,” he noted.
The minister also referred to initiatives like the VAIBHAV programme, which connects Indian scientists abroad with institutions in the country, and the Pratibha Setu portal, which helps link UPSC aspirants with potential employers if they do not make it to the final selection.
During his interaction with students, Singh encouraged them to adopt a broader mindset and explore opportunities beyond traditional career paths.
He said the current era offers unprecedented opportunities due to technological advancements and policy reforms, urging young people to make the most of them and contribute to India’s growth.
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