The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing at the launch of Start-Up India, Stand-Up India programme, in New Delhi on January 16, 2016.
PM Narendra Modi addressing at the launch of Start-Up India, Stand-Up India programme

 

New Delhi. 18th January, 2016. Prime Minister Narendra Modi,launched the Start-up India initiative which was preceded by a day-long workshop on various aspects of entrepreneurship.

He visited a virtual exhibition and interacted with Start-up entrepreneurs. 10 outstanding Start-up innovators shared their thoughts and experiences before the Prime Minister delivered his address. He said that when he had launched the Start-up India Initiative on 15th August, the announcement had virtually gone unnoticed, but today it had registered with people.

He said successful start-ups are usually created by those who are driven by an idea, or an urge to solve a problem that people face. He said making money is not the primary objective, but is often a by-product. He said Start-up innovators are often driven by a sense of compassion for others.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi's interaction with startups, VCs and angel investors, in New Delhi on January 16, 2016.
PM interacting with startups, VCs and angel investors

The Prime Minister said he wishes to turn the youth of India from job-seekers to job-creators. He said if a Start-up can offer employment to even five people, it would be doing a great service to the nation. He mentioned some areas where youth innovators should focus, including crop wastage, and cyber security.

The Prime Minister unveiled the highlights of the Start-up Action Plan. He said a dedicated Start-up fund worth Rs. 10,000 crore will be created for funding of Start-ups.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the launch of Start-Up India, Stand-Up India programme, in New Delhi on January 16, 2016. The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, Shri Arun Jaitley and the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman are also seen.
 Prime Minister releasing the Action Plan  at the launch of Start-Up India, Stand-Up India programme.The Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting,  Arun Jaitley and the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (Independent Charge), Nirmala Sitharaman are also seen.

He said Start-ups will be exempted from paying income tax on their profit for the first three years. He said the Government is working on a simple exit policy for Start-ups. He also said the Government is working towards fast-tracking of Start-up patent applications.

He announced an eighty percent exemption in patent fee for Start-up businesses, and said a self-certification based compliance system for Start-ups would be introduced for 9 labour and environment laws. He said the Atal Innovation Mission will be launched to give a boost to innovation.