Oscar Fernandes worried over brain drain in India

Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education Oscar Fernandes today expressed concern over the brain drain from the country to the alluring western countries.

"The talent generated in the country is being taken away by the western countries and these people are helping build the nations. We have to retain this pool of talent by creating opportunities in our country," Fernandes said at the valedictory function of the 17th national conference of Indian Colleges Forum here.

He said most IITians do not benefit the country as they are roped in by companies abroad with lucrative offers.

"However, now with our economy growing, these people are migrating back to India," the MP said.

Claiming that the Centre has attached utmost priority to the education sector, he said it was a mission of the UPA government to take education to every child.

"Once, institutions like Nalanda made India a destination for knowledge. We have to regain this status as a destination in search of knowledge," he said.

Ruing that only about 12 per cent of the 110 million youths of India in the age group of 18-24 are enrolled in higher education, Fernandes said there was need to increase this percentage and that the Centre intends to bring it to about 20% in the next plan.