3 Ways India Can Manage the Brain Drain Problem
Brain drain, to define in simple terms, is a phenomenon where people complete their education in one country but shift to somewhere else for work and contribute to the economy of that country. India has long been facing this problem. As immigration and student visa rules have loosened over time, we find more and more students and youths travelling elsewhere in search of better education and high paying jobs. It results in significant loss in human capital for India. Here are three ways India can reduce brain drain and harness its intellectual potential.
1. Changing the mindset and education system
It’s been too long that India has followed the same mode and grading system in schools and universities now. The world has moved on and more and more new opportunities have been formed but we are still a country where mainstream professionals like engineers, doctors and lawyers are considered to be the benchmark of success. With the advent of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, we will hopefully notice a change in the education system.
The parents need to understand mainstream or so-called safe jobs may not interest their children anymore. They want to be successful on their own terms, fight for the environment, change society and mindset. And they must be given the room for the same. New education policies and a commitment to inclusivity might change the minds of those planning to leave the country to escape the pressure of societal expectations.
2. Investing more on research infrastructures
Recently, India has achieved something that will be etched in history. Yes, I am talking about the soft-landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon’s south pole. And who do you think has made this possible? A brilliant team of researchers and scientists; yet it is one of the most underpaid and undervalued jobs in India. It is great to share the picture of scientists on social media, but what many don’t realize is that some budding scientists and researchers don’t receive their monthly grants. However, they persist in pursuing their passion for their job, driven by their immense love for their country.
Thus we need the government to allocate more funds to research and education. So that academia does not become the elite club. We need to create an ecosystem that supports cutting-edge research and development, making India a hub for global talent. We must ensure that our best and brightest stay and contribute to the nation’s growth.
3. Employment opportunities
A problem plaguing India since the time of independence and has only increased after the pandemic. So many people are graduating universities with remarkable achievements but they lack opportunity. Many end up changing their careers or seeking opportunities abroad. We have established ourselves as a startup and entrepreneurial hub. Initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Startup India’ have helped the cause. But we need to work better and push ourselves across all sectors.
Healthcare and education, as demonstrated during the pandemic, should be top priorities. We need more doctors and teachers among others. To promote that we need support from the government. We also need professionals in up and coming sectors like cyber security, data science among others.
What India needs is a multi-pronged approach to reduce brain drain in India. By addressing these key areas, India can retain its best minds, harness their talents for national development, and ultimately contribute to its own growth and global standing.
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