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Mukherjee said the country's institutions must become magnets for talent by shifting from "brain drain" to "brain rain"
President Pranab Mukherjee, on Wednesday, cautioned that a scenario opposite to job creation can spell disaster in the country.
Addressing a conference of heads of educational institutions, he said job creation figures were the lowest in the past seven years and jobs creation is a priority.
Citing incidents of student unrest in institutions, the President emphasised upon a harmonious and peaceful environment for students to pursue higher studies and asked government departments concerned to facilitate academic leaders.
Mukherjee said country's institutions must become magnets for talent by shifting from "brain drain" to "brain rain".
"In India, we have enough talent. With the largest population of the young, we are poised to leverage a low dependency ratio. But that depends on the productivity of the population in the working age bracket. If there are enough jobs in the country, there will be content, refinement and perfection. An opposite scenario can spell disaster.
"The restlessness and frustration of youth manifests in unrest and upheaval. Let us not allow such a situation to appear on our horizon. We must turn our evolving demographic configuration into strength. For that, adequate job creation is a priority. The job creation figures of 1.35 lakh in 2015, which is the lowest in seven years, are not encouraging," the President said.
He said with machines fast replacing men, there is a need to have a look at a paradigm shift.
"From 'brain drain', we must shift to abundance of 'brain rain', as many successful Indian professionals working abroad are keen to come back, excited by the opportunities unfolding in a changing India.
"With adequate thrust on internationalisation of our institutions, we can develop 'brain networks'," Mukherjee said, addressing the second visitor's conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Photograph: PTI Photo