In a keynote address at the Asia Pacific Metrology Program (APMP) General Assembly 2024, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored India’s emerging global leadership in advance technologies like metrology and its pivotal role in newer technologies like the quantum.

Speaking on the theme “Metrology for Quantum Technologies,” the Minister emphasized that precise measurement standards are crucial for fostering innovation, boosting industry competitiveness, and achieving the vision of a “Vikasit Bharat” by 2047. He highlighted India’s significant contributions, including the globally recognized indelible ink developed by the National Physical Laboratory, India (NPLI), which is used in elections across 37 countries, symbolizing India’s democratic impact on the world stage.

 

Highlighting the Asia-Pacific region as a hub of economic activity and innovation, Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed to the region's significance as home to 60% of the world’s population and several of the fastest-growing economies. He stated that metrology, far from being a niche technical discipline, is a critical enabler of economic growth, fostering regional collaboration, boosting local industry standards, and securing global recognition for exports. India, as a founding member of APMP, has played a leading role in advancing its vision, contributing to its current membership of over 58 institutions across 40 countries.

 

The Union Minister spotlighted the contributions of the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL), positioning it as a cornerstone of India’s metrological excellence and influence in the South Asian region. NPL’s achievements include the development of indelible ink, a globally recognized symbol of India’s democratic contributions, used in elections in 37 countries.

NPL has also set benchmarks in preserving India’s heritage, said Dr Jitendra Singh citing  the safekeeping of the original handwritten manuscripts of the Indian Constitution. These manuscripts, adorned with the artistry of Shantiniketan and calligraphed by Prem Behari Narain Raizada and Vasant Krishan Vaidya, stand as testaments to India’s democratic ethos and rich history.

 

On the occasion of the 75th Samvidhan Diwas, the Minister praised NPL’s meticulous efforts in preserving these fragile manuscripts, bearing the signatures of India’s founding fathers, against the wear of time. This initiative reflects the commitment to protecting the nation’s historical treasures while embracing the future through innovation.

Dr. Jitendra Singh further highlighted NPL’s strides in establishing India’s first certification facility for environmental monitoring equipment, a world-class solar cell calibration facility, and the development of carbon composite materials for strategic sectors. These advancements not only enhance India’s industrial and defense capabilities but also align with the nation’s renewable energy and sustainability goals.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to building a robust quality infrastructure to support transformative technologies like quantum science, semiconductors, and green energy. He stressed that metrology plays a critical role in fostering innovation, empowering startups, and driving scientific research, making it a cornerstone of India’s vision for “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Speaking on the symposium’s theme, “Metrology for Quantum Technologies,” Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of precision in measurement for breakthroughs in quantum computing, sensing, and cryptography. He expressed optimism that the discussions would inspire innovation and deepen collaborations among National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) across the APMP and the world, further cementing metrology’s role in global technological advancements.

The event was attended by notable figures in the global metrology community, including Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR; Dr. Martin Milton, Director of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM); Dr. Hyumin Park, Chairperson of APMP, Dr Takashi Usada, Secretary, CIPM; and Professor Achanta Venu Gopal, Director of CSIR-NPL. Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed confidence that such collaborative efforts would not only bolster India’s meteorological capabilities but also reinforce its position as a global leader in science and technology.

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