Rajasthan 2035: Col Rajyavardhan Rathore unveils a vision where policy meets innovation

Against the energetic backdrop of Rajasthan IT Day 2025—a celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital governance—the spotlight turned to a compelling fireside chat titled ‘Rajasthan 2035: Where Policy Meets Innovation’.The session featured Col Rajyavardhan Rathore, Minister for Industries and Commerce, IT&C, Skills & Entrepreneurship, Government of Rajasthan, in conversation with Shradha Sharma, Founder and CEO of YourStory. The session offered more than just policy talk—it was a deep dive into the aspirations, responsibilities, and concrete actions that will shape Rajasthan’s trajectory through 2035.

iStart, one of India’s largest and most inclusive startup platforms, played an important role in organising the Rajasthan IT Day 2025. Operating across every district of Rajasthan, iStart provides comprehensive support, including incubation, mentorship, and funding opportunities of up to Rs 25 lakh without traditional tendering requirements. With over 5,700 registered startups, including more than 2,000 women-led ventures, iStart continues to catalyse entrepreneurial growth in the region.

Technology as a way of life

Opening the conversation, Sharma asked the Minister what IT Day meant for the state and its people. Col Rathore responded by placing technology at the very core of daily life, emphasising its transformative power in shrinking time and space.

“IT is connected to everyone’s life. In less time and more efficiently, you can achieve tasks that once took days. Time and space have been squeezed, and that is what IT is all about,” he said, acknowledging the hundreds of officials and technologists at the venue.

However, he also cautioned against losing the human touch in an increasingly virtual world. Drawing from cultural metaphors like traditional games and folklore, he reminded the audience that technology must coexist with heritage and values. “Before high-tech goggles, we had simple games like Snake & Ladders—our culture is embedded in them. We must preserve that human element even as we embrace augmented reality,” he said.

He also touched on concerns about cybercrime, making a strong case for responsible tech usage. “To every good thing, if misused, there is an equally bad thing. Crime doesn’t end by removing the knife; it ends by changing behavior. We must be careful in using these technologies,” the Minister warned.

Startup ecosystem: platforms, not patronage

The discussion then shifted to the startup ecosystem, a cornerstone of the state's development strategy. Sharma asked what the government was doing to support innovators. Col. Rathore articulated a vision of the state as an enabler, not a gatekeeper.

“Our job is to create platforms—Atal Tinkering Labs, plug-and-play startup centers, accelerators for mentoring and funding,” he explained. “We even host a ‘Shark Tank minus the sharks’ where startups pitch to VCs in a relaxed setting.”

He highlighted Rajasthan’s growing support infrastructure: co-working spaces, government-backed startup funds, and upcoming initiatives designed to connect founders with venture capitalists in informal, collaborative formats. These efforts aim to make innovation not just possible but practical for entrepreneurs across the state.

A government learning, growing, and reaching out

In a more personal moment, Sharma asked the Minister how he would rate himself as a politician. Col Rathore answered with humility and a student’s mindset: “I rate myself as a student—I have learned much and have more to learn.”

He extended the reflection to the performance of the state government under Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. “In one year, we’ve achieved foundational reforms. Our Chief Minister is transparent, without self-interest, and committed to progress. With a strong team, we are heading in the right direction.”

More importantly, he revealed an administrative philosophy shift: from reactive to proactive governance. “Instead of citizens chasing government services, the government will proactively inform them of their entitlements. This shift is unique to Rajasthan and will strengthen our data centers, cybersecurity practices, and overall IT infrastructure,” he added.

Closing the session, Sharma asked what the youth of Rajasthan should focus on as they navigate their careers and lives in a rapidly evolving world. Col Rathore’s response was filled with hope and clarity.

“We live in the most exciting era—our aspirations match those of youth worldwide. India’s large, cost-sensitive market makes it the ideal launchpad for scalable solutions,” he said.

He cited tourism, logistics, education, and agro-processing as key sectors for growth—all increasingly powered by IT. From marble factories in Kishangarh to classrooms and hospitals, he emphasised that “there is no industry, no sector where IT is not connected”.

On women in tech, the Minister acknowledged the skewed gender ratios and pointed to state policies offering tax rebates, easy loans, and reservation in startup support schemes. But he stressed that long-term change must come from within society. “Every parent should see equality in their son and daughter, and give them an opportunity to advance,” he said.

When asked about his vision for the year ahead, Col Rathore summed it up powerfully: “We want to be the first government where citizens are told they are eligible—before they even apply. We’ll keep strengthening IT infrastructure and make Rajasthan a benchmark for the entire country.”