Conclave by Mhalgi Prabodhini in partnership with ISRO discusses agriculture, administration, infra
Mumbai: 6th March: Technology will play a vital role in sustainable development in the 21st century. Similarly, good governance is crucial so that fruits of development reach the common man. Thus, from agriculture to administration and disaster management to natural resource conservation, use of geospatial technology is the way ahead. Towards this end, Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini (RMP), in partnership with ISRO, today organized the ‘Space Tech for Good Governance’ Conclave at its serene campus in Uttan near Mumbai, so that the brainstorming outcomes can create a better tomorrow.
Space policy for Maharashtra, space start-ups and private sector collaboration
The conclave saw inputs from the central and state governments. Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Maharashtra, said, “Space technology is becoming an integral part of life. The Prime Minister has created a policy for private sector participation so that India can contribute 8-10% in global space tech and generate $ 44 billion business. Already there are 189 space tech start-ups attracting $ 124 million investment. Use of remote sensing, drones, GPS and satellites, blended under Gati Shakti initiative is bringing transparency, accuracy, efficiency, resilience and accountability in governance, infrastructure, land records, agriculture, insurance, and disaster management. AI coupled with space tech is a great combination. We will try to create a space policy for Maharashtra in the coming months.”
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union MoS (Independent Charge), Earth Sciences, and Science & Technology, in his recorded message, said, “Space technology has entered every Indian household. With support from the Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi, space reforms are underway, leading to private sector collaboration and research. Space tech is being used in governance, agriculture, disaster management, urban planning and revenue management, and we are set to play a major role in global space policy.”
Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Former MP, Rajya Sabha, and Vice-Chairman, RMP said, “India has been known as a knowledge society. In line with that the work of RMP in capacity building and research has been significant. This conclave brings together technology and social science. Now, we can say that sky is not the limit, and there’s space beyond! This emerging sector will herald good governance with ‘somebody’ sitting up there and watching!” Lt. General Vinod G. Khandare (Retd), Principal Advisor, Ministry of Defence, said, “Comprehensive national security includes not just military and police; but appropriate use of resources. The nation and states should complement and strengthen each other. Infiltration and sabotage can be detected by clubbing space tech, AI and awareness among citizens.”
With 125 participants from 6 states, the techno-economic sector was represented by Dr Prakash Chauhan, Director, National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC); Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, IN-SPACe; Dr Shirish Ravan, Founder, EarthSight Foundation; Dr. SP Aggrawal, Director, NESAC; Rajeev Gambhir, Dy. Director General, SIA-India; and Piyush Gupta, Specialist, World Economic Forum. Governance sector was represented by Dr. Eknath Dawale, Principal Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Govt. of Maharashtra; and Padmashri Popatrao Pawar, Sarpanch, Hiware Bazar (Adarsh Gaon), Maharashtra.
Cutting-edge technology for reviving rural and urban India
The objective was leveraging geospatial technology for societal benefits. The first panel discussion was on the states’ role in space technology. The insightful discussion on ‘Antariksh to Antyodaya’ focussed on taking the fruits of technology to the masses. Presentations and one panel discussion highlighted the on-ground use of geospatial technology for women empowerment, Gram Panchayat Development Plan, forest fires control and rural livelihoods. The event was organized by RMP, along with EarthSight Foundation, Strategic Research & Growth Foundation (SRGF) and Dawon, in partnership with ISRO, NRSC, North East Space Application Centre (NESAC), SIA-India and Vasundharaa.
