Summary
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Piyush Goyal launches a startup helpline to report corruption and suggest reforms
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Startups can also propose new legal frameworks through the helpline
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Government to focus FoF spending on deeptech sectors like AI and robotics
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Minister critiques consumer startups for lacking innovation
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Industry leaders divided on Goyal’s comments
A Bold Move to Support Indian Entrepreneurs
In a significant step to support India’s startup ecosystem, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has launched a dedicated helpline for startups across the country. This announcement was made during the Startup Mahakumbh 2025 event, where Goyal emphasized transparency, innovation, and government support for new-age entrepreneurs.
What the Helpline Offers
Startups can now directly reach out to the Ministry of Commerce through this new helpline. The helpline is designed to:
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Report corrupt government officials
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Lodge complaints regarding bribe demands
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Suggest reforms to existing regulations
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Propose new regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies
“This helpline will ensure that no startup feels helpless,” Goyal said. “If you have developed something that doesn’t fit under current laws, call us. We will rethink the rules.”
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Rs 10,000 Cr Fund to Boost Deeptech Startups
The government also plans to allocate a significant portion of the Rs 10,000 Cr Fund of Funds (FoF) to the deeptech sector. This includes areas like:
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Quantum Computing
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Robotics
Goyal said this funding would bring in “patient capital” for research-heavy and innovation-led startups.
Minister Questions Startup Focus
A day earlier, Goyal sparked debate by criticizing the dominance of consumer-focused startups like grocery and ice cream delivery platforms.
He questioned:
“Are we going to be happy being delivery boys and girls? Is this India’s startup dream?”His comments drew mixed reactions:
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Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha defended the sector, noting Rs 1,000 Cr in taxes and 1.5 lakh jobs created.
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Investor Mohandas Pai called comparisons with Chinese startups “unfair.”
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