India's Startup Surge: Jitendra Singh Urges Students to Embrace Entrepreneurship

India has witnessed a dramatic rise in startup activity over the past decade, with the number of startups growing to more than 1.75 lakh, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said, highlighting it as one of the biggest success stories of recent years.

Speaking on the evolving entrepreneurial landscape, Singh encouraged students to shift their mindset and focus on entrepreneurship instead of relying solely on traditional government jobs.

The minister noted that this growth reflects a new level of confidence and ambition among India’s youth, who are now driving innovation across sectors. He emphasized that the startup movement is no longer confined to major cities but has expanded into smaller towns, creating opportunities for inclusive development.

"From just 350 startups a decade ago, India now has over 1.75 lakh startups - creating 17.56 lakh jobs, more than many government recruitment initiatives," Singh said while addressing events, first at IIM and then at IIT in Jammu.

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Singh pointed out that the rapid increase in startups signals a significant cultural and economic transformation, with young entrepreneurs taking bold steps to build businesses, generate employment, and contribute to national progress. He also highlighted how this momentum positions India as a rising global innovation hub.

Calling on students to take initiative and think beyond conventional paths, Singh underscored the importance of nurturing original ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. As India’s startup ecosystem continues to thrive, he urged the next generation to play a proactive role in shaping the country’s economic future.