India’s young entrepreneurs called for the greater involvement of the private sector and more public-private partnerships (PPP) as part of suggestions to prepare a new policy template for the country. More than 200 of them pitched for leveraging the strength of non-state entities to develop India’s soft power, improve education levels and help mitigate climate change. Under the Champions of Change programme organised by Niti Aayog, 212 young entrepreneurs were grouped into six sectoral themes — Soft Power: Incredible India 2.0; Education and Skill Development; Health and Nutrition; Energizing a sustainable tomorrow; and Digital India; New India by 2022. They gave their suggestions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a presentation that ran over two hours and was also attended by ministers and secretaries of various departments. The Champions of Change proposed to increase transparency in the education system and enable students to take part in the decision-making process. The entrepreneurs said there was a need create 20-100 million new jobs through connectivity, accessibility and data usage and in 2022, the country would need value-added manufacturing. The Champions of Change suggested the government replace capital subsidies and give tax incentives to enable consumption of green power. To address climate change, they said the private sector can create cost-efficient, carbon and water positive prototypes for smart cities. Similarly, there is a need to create water sources, recycling plants, especially in drought-affected areas.

(Economic Times)