Indore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that more than 13000 startups are registered on GeM portal and have done business worth Rs 6500 crore on the portal. Digital India paves a major push for the development of startups and opening of new markets, said Prime Minister Modi PM while launching the Madhya Pradesh Startup Policy during the Madhya Pradesh Startup Conclave being held here.

PM Modi, who addressed the conference via video conferencing, said that reforms carried out in the space sector, mapping, drones, etc are opening new opportunities for the startups. To improve the ease of bringing the products of the startups to the market, GeM portal was established. “More than 13000 startups are registered on GeM Portal and have done business worth 6500 crore rupees on the portal,” he said.

He said the startups have a major role in developing the tourism sector. Startups will also help in giving a boost for Vocal for Local. Startups can also help Tribals to bring their handicrafts and products to the market. He said the Government is giving a big push for the gaming industry and toy industry. He also noted the potential in the frontier technologies for startups. He also informed that more than 800 Indian startups are involved in the sports sector.

The Prime Minister said that the country’s development is getting new momentum by the young energy. There is a feeling, as there is a proactive startup policy. There is an equally diligent startup leadership in the country. The Prime Minister mentioned that in the short period of 8 years, the startup story of the country has undergone a massive transformation. He recalled that in 2014 when his government was formed, the number of startups in the country was about 300-400.

He also said that India is the third largest economy of the world. India is at the first place in terms of smartphone, data consumption and second in terms of Internet users. India is at the second place in the Global Retail Index, India is the third largest energy consumer country of the world and the world's third largest consumer market is in India. India has created a new record by doing merchandise exports worth 470 billion dollars this year. There is unprecedented investment in the infrastructure. /BI/