Mumbai, May 11: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first Integrated Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Field Laboratory at IIT Bombay, marking a significant step in the country’s clean energy innovation journey.

Speaking at the launch, Union Minister Pradhan emphasized that the facility will play a crucial role in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Panchamrit commitments and India’s target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070.

Launched India’s first Integrated Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Field Laboratory Facility at IIT Bombay. This marks an important milestone in advancing India’s clean energy innovation ecosystem.

My best wishes to UrjanovaC, incubated at SINE, IIT Bombay, for… pic.twitter.com/Fw5kazc3zh

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) May 11, 2026

“Under the National Education Policy (NEP), institutions are not only centres of learning but also hubs of innovation and research, contributing to India’s scientific and technological strength,” he highlighted.

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The Union Education Minister congratulated IIT Bombay-supported startup Urjanovac, calling it a reflection of India’s growing scientific capabilities. “Collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers is essential to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047,” noted the Union Minister.

Later, Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the Global Colloquium 2026 organized on the 90th foundation day of Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). He described social sciences as more than just academic disciplines, calling them “documents of progress and equality.”

He stressed the need for accessible, globally benchmarked education for India’s youth, while pointing to reforms over the past 12 years under initiatives like Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile), which have brought transparency and inclusivity in governance.

Pleased to address the Global Colloquium 2026 at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. This year also marks 90 years of its distinguished contribution to social science, public policy and nation-building.

Social science is not merely an academic discipline but an intangible… pic.twitter.com/JZxmBSp46q

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) May 11, 2026

Union Minister Pradhan underlined that true development lies not only in economic growth but also in social awareness and human sensitivity.

Institutions like TISS, he said, act as bridges in this mission. He concluded by extending best wishes to all participants, faculty, and students for meaningful deliberations.

The inauguration of the CCUS lab at IIT Bombay is expected to accelerate India’s efforts in carbon management technologies, strengthen research ecosystems, and contribute to sustainable development goals.