New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has batted for technology enabled development for optimum outcome, encouraging stakeholders to fully implement the themes of the Union Budget in a time bound manner. “This is a collaborative effort to ensure how, in the light of budget, we can implement the provisions quickly, seamlessly and with optimum outcome,” he said while explaining the rationale of the seventh webinar in the series of post-budget webinars to consult and encourage stakeholders to fully implement the themes of the Union Budget in a time bound manner.

“In the field of economy, the vision is linked with areas like digital economy and fintech. Similarly advance technology has huge role in infrastructure and public service delivery related vision. Technology for us is a medium to empower the people of the country. For us, technology is the mainstay of making the country self-reliant. The same vision is reflected in this year’s budget as well,” said the Prime Minister. “In the light of emerging new global systems, it is critical that we move forward with a focus on Atma Nirbharta,” he said.

Referring to the dictum that ‘Science is Universal and Technology is Local,’ the Prime Minister said: “We are familiar with the principles of science, but we have to emphasize on how to make maximum use of technology for the Ease of Living.” He mentioned investment in house constructions, railway, airways, waterways and optical fibers. He called for ideas of using technologies in these important areas.

Noting the expanding global market for gaming, Prime Minister Modi said that the budget has focussed on Animation Visual Effects Gaming Comic (AVGC). Similarly he also stressed the need to have toys adapted to Indian milieu and needs. Stressing the centrality of communication centres and fintech, the Prime Minister asked for indigenous ecosystem with less foreign dependence for the both.

Referring to the third largest startup ecosystem, i.e., Indian startup ecosystem, the Prime Minister assured the sector of full support from the government. “A portal has also been proposed for skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling of youth in the budget. With this, youth will get the right jobs and opportunities through API based trusted skill credentials, payment and discovery layers,” he informed. /BI/