Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurated the ‘India Water Pitch-Pilot-Scale Start-up Challenge’ on Saturday, under which the federal government would choose 100 businesses and provide them with cash assistance of Rs 20 lakh each.
This comes on the heels of Prime Minister Modi’s AMRUT 2.0 announcement in October of last year.
Puri, speaking at the occasion, emphasized the critical role that entrepreneurs play and assured them of the federal government’s full and active support. He stated that startups are the flavour of the season, as the number of unicorns in the country has increased by leaps and bounds.
The Minister stated that the success of the federal government’s programs is heavily dependent on the role and participation of stakeholders and others in the ecosystem. Puri noted that AMRUT 2.0 is a revolutionary and distinctive initiative, with a massive expenditure of over 2.77 lakh crore, and that stakeholders’ comments in the water sector are vital for formulating Government programs since they know what is truly required.
He stated that the strategy will ensure the country’s water safety, reduce transportation costs, reduce groundwater contamination, and improve water use capabilities.
A video greeting from Kaushal Kishore, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, was also shown at the event. Kishore stated that allowing entrepreneurs to be partners under the know-how sub-mission is a promising move that would aid in resolving the country’s city water concerns.
Cabinet has approved a technology sub-mission that wants to work with startups as a ‘technology partner’ under AMRUT 2.0. The purpose is to assist businesses in the water/used-water industry to flourish via innovation and design, which may promote long-term financial success and provide job opportunities. Under this program, the Ministry will select 100 start-ups to get a grant of Rs. 20 lakhs as well as mentorship.
