Prime Minister calls for stronger healthcare training, AI-focused education reforms and greater women participation in STEM during key budget discussion
New Delhi (PIB): Narendra Modi addressed a post-budget webinar focused on “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas – Fulfilling Aspirations of People,” emphasising the importance of strengthening sectors such as healthcare, education, skills, tourism, sports and culture to achieve inclusive development.
The Prime Minister said fulfilling the aspirations of citizens is the central objective of the Union Budget and called on experts, policymakers, entrepreneurs and young professionals to contribute ideas for effective implementation.
Focus on Holistic Healthcare
Modi highlighted India’s push toward preventive and holistic healthcare, noting that medical infrastructure has expanded significantly in recent years with new colleges and healthcare facilities opening across districts.
He referred to initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, which has expanded access to medical services, along with wellness centres such as Arogya Mandir.
The Prime Minister also stressed the growing importance of the care economy, noting that the rising number of senior citizens in India and global demand for caregivers could create significant employment opportunities for young people.
Telemedicine and Digital Health
Speaking about digital healthcare services, Modi said Telemedicine has helped connect patients in remote areas with doctors, but added that awareness and ease of access still need to improve.
Education Reform and Innovation
The Prime Minister underlined the importance of modernizing India’s education system to align with emerging technologies and industry needs.
He said the National Education Policy 2020 has laid the foundation for transformation, but stressed the need to continuously update curricula to match the evolving global economy.
Modi urged greater emphasis on areas such as Artificial Intelligence, automation, the digital economy and design-driven manufacturing.
Boost for AVGC and Innovation Economy
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s growing focus on the AVGC sector, describing it as a key driver of the country’s innovation-led economy.
He encouraged universities and academic institutions to transform campuses into centres of industry collaboration and research-driven learning to provide students with real-world exposure.
Encouraging Women in STEM
Highlighting progress in science education, Modi said it was encouraging that more girls in India are showing interest in STEM subjects.
He called for greater efforts to ensure women have equal opportunities in futuristic technologies and research fields.
Sports and National Development
The Prime Minister also spoke about the role of sports in national development, pointing to initiatives like Khelo India that aim to strengthen sports infrastructure and nurture young athletes.
He urged stakeholders to focus on identifying talent from smaller towns, improving financial support for athletes and making sports institutions more professional.
Tourism and Culture as Job Creators
Modi remarked that tourism and cultural heritage can generate significant employment opportunities and contribute to the branding and development of cities and regions across India.
He called for discussions on ways to unlock the potential of historical sites and cultural assets to drive local economic growth.
