India is considered to be one of the fastest growing economies of the world. With standing number one in the population stats, India boasts the biggest working population of the young and energetic youth. Yet, the number of people opting to immigrate to other countries in search of better livelihood is steadily increasing. Despite the fact that Indian economy is seeing a surge of investments and development, many opt working in a foreign country.
Around 37,670,147 people graduate in India every year and only 26% of them are employed. For a booming economy, this is one of the biggest drawback. Low wages and limited opportunities for career development are some of the reasons.
Globally, Indians are one of the biggest diaspora. Many migrate for higher studies, and then settle there, while others study here and then immigrate for better job opportunities.
Brain Drain isn’t a new concept, but the present trend is quite alarming. Many find better employment opportunities in nations like America, Australia, UK, and Canada and lately numbers of Indian immigrating to Germany is steadily increasing.
Education is revered in India, Takshashila and Nalanda are one of the finest and oldest universities of India. Pupils all around the world would come here, but today no Indian university name is found in top 100! This is one of the reasons why Indian youth is attracted towards foreign universities – prestige and better research programmes.
For the biggest democracy, India has tumultuous political and social conditions. Every day we find news of a student being harassed for belonging to a certain religion or caste. Many don’t get employed because of their religious or caste status. Migrating to other countries gives many young people more social freedom.
UAE has one of the biggest Indian migrants, around 34 lakh Indians reside and work there. United States of America and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosts 2nd and 3rd largest Indian diaspora. Post 2020, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and Ireland have become more preferred destination. As per the reports, approximately 1, 27,940 Indians have migrated to Canada alone in 2021.
Environmental factors, lucrative policies and scholarships from various governments also play an important role. Tuition free education system, scholarship programmes, post-study work opportunities, and cultural exchange programmes are few of the incentives that a European University offers to its students. In many other countries, for example Korean Universities gives its students stipend, accommodation and many more based on the Korea Scholarship benefits.
Though it’s a matter of livelihood for many, brain drain has negative effect on the country’s development and growth. Just improving statistically isn’t going to benefit in the long run, better policies have to be formed to give better job opportunities. Creating high quality jobs is essential to retain skilled workforce. Focusing on the mental health too is essential, because the younger generation does not believe in the age old corporate rat race.
Improving India’s educational quality is another most important factor. Better learning atmosphere must be created to foster better results and rote learning is a concept of past. Innovative and practical learning must be encouraged. It is essential to provide students training and vocational skills. Collaboration between various universities, businesses and research centres should be encouraged that can give holistic ecosystem to the students that can foster entrepreneurship. Only then will India truly take its step towards being called developed.