NITI Aayog India Innovation Index ranking ‘Manipur first among NE States’

IMPHAL, Jan 21 (DIPR)
NITI Aayog released the second edition of the India Innovation Index-2020 ranking on Wednesday  and Manipur has been ranked first among the North East States and third among NE and Himalayan States. The index shows the Government’s  commitment towards transforming the country into an innovation-driven economy.
While releasing the India Innovation Index-2020 in New Delhi, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Rajiv Kumar said, “The index illustrates that India is on the right path and the States are endeavouring to improve their innovative ecosystem.”
He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi always emphasises on innovation and technological frontiers as these can solve the challenges and fulfil the aspirations of people and stressed on the need to improve the coordination mechanism between the various Science and Technology institutions of Government and the private sector. He also advocated to bring the India Innovation Index in sync with Global innovation index’s parameters.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant said that innovation will play a key role in making the country self-reliant and heading towards the five trillion dollar targeted economy.
He said, the innovation index will increase the competitive federalism among the States and Union Territories.
In the India Innovation Index-2020, the States and Union Territories have been divided into 17 Major States, 10 North-East and Hill States and nine Union Territories and Small States for effectively comparing their performance.
In the 2020 ranking, Karnataka retained its first position in the Major States category. Maharashtra moved one position higher and stood at 2nd spot while Tamil Nadu slid to 3rd position.
In the North East and Hill States category, Himachal Pradesh stood first followed by Uttarakhand and Manipur. Delhi stands at the first position while Chandigarh retained its second spot in the Union Territories and small States category.