India’s rising geopolitical influence, strategic partnerships, global
diaspora, and soft power are key factors which amplify its
international presence: Dr. P.K. Mishra
Timely completion, access to low-cost finance, and leveraging
private sector capabilities are key to lowering tariffs and improving
feasibility of nuclear projects: Dr. P.K. Mishra
Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, addressed the
graduating Scientific Officers today at 68th Graduation Function in the Bhabha
Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Training School, marking a milestone for the
institution and the next generation of India’s scientific community.
Dr. Mishra remarked on the legacy of BARC and the vision of Dr. Homi Jehangir
Bhabha, praising the institution for its training excellence and contributions to
India’s development. He highlighted India’s global rise driven by internal
transformation and shifting international dynamics, noting strengths such as
youth demographics, infrastructure expansion, and technological
achievements.
Dsr. Mishra highlighted the Prime Minister’s vision for Vikshit Bharat in 2047
and underscored the importance of ‘reform, perform, and transform’ in
transforming the country into a developed nation.
Dr. Mishra cited multiple national achievements such as India’s position as the
third-largest startup ecosystem with over 100 unicorns, the scale of digital
infrastructure, including UPI processing over 185 billion transactions in
2024–25 and Bold climate commitments including 500 GW non-fossil fuel
capacity by 2030 and initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Noting the successful opening of the space sector, Shri Mishra remarked that
similar initiatives are envisaged for atomic energy, essential for clean energy
and national security.
Shri Mishra also highlighted key budget announcements from the Budget
2024–25 like R&D support for Bharat Small Modular Reactors and advanced
nuclear technologies and a targeted expansion to 100 GW of nuclear capacity
by 2047, with proposed amendments to relevant legislation enabling private
sector participation.
Underscoring the societal impact of nuclear energy, Shri Mishra cited the use
of radio isotopes for cancer care, and radiation technologies for wastewater
treatment and agriculture storage. Highlighting recent budgetary provisions
aimed at boosting food irradiation infrastructure, Shri Mishra remarked on the
sanctioning of 50 Multi-Product Food Irradiation Units for the MSME sector
under the 2024–25 Union Budget and the success of projects under the
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana. He noted that since 2008, 16 projects
have been sanctioned, with 9 operational, alongside 19 functional facilities
since 2000. The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board continues to provide vital
technical support. He emphasized that irradiation facilities in 12 states are
enhancing shelf-life and ensuring compliance with international phytosanitary
standards for food products such as fruits, spices, pulses, and herbs.
Dr. Mishra urged the scientific community to commercialise spin-off
technologies emerging from research labs. He noted that the post-COVID
world has undergone fundamental changes, with ongoing global conflicts
reshaping geopolitical alignments and economic stability.
Underlining India’s independent nuclear journey and its recognition across
scientific and diplomatic circles, the Principal Secretary cited key milestones
such as the agreement with the United States, the NSG waiver, and
participation in ITER, underlining India’s stature in global nuclear cooperation.
He emphasized that nuclear energy presents a major opportunity for
sustainable growth and clean power in response to climate challenges.
Acknowledging the capital-intensive nature of nuclear energy projects, Dr.
Mishra remarked that timely completion, access to low-cost finance, and
leveraging private sector capabilities are key to lowering tariffs and improving
feasibility. He encouraged researchers to innovate in cost reduction strategies
to make nuclear energy India’s preferred power source.
Dr. Mishra underscored the importance of strengthening safety governance,
citing the roles of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board and the BARC Safety
Council. He called for revisiting regulatory mechanisms and investing in further
safety-related research, especially as private sector participation expands. He
emphasized that public confidence in safety standards must be a top priority.
Concluding his address, Dr. Mishra urged the graduates to embrace lifelong
learning, adapt to change, and foster openness, respect, and humility in
collaborative environments. He remarked that technical proficiency must be
matched by attitude and approach, especially in interactions with
stakeholders. He also encouraged the new Scientific Officers to rise to the
moment, embrace opportunity, and equip themselves to navigate both
challenges and transformations ahead.
