Sibal exhorts IITians to return from abroad

Kanpur, June 5 (UNI) Union Minister for Science and Technology and Ocean Development Kapil Sibal today urged the IITians working abroad to return and contribute towards development of the country.

''Indian economy is posting impressive growth and a large number of Non Resident Indians (NRIs) are coming back,'' Mr Sibal, who was chief guest at the 38th convocation of Indian Institute of Technology here said.

He said the GDP was growing at eight per cent with impressive foreign exchange reserves of 150 billion dollars. ''It is the right time for the IITians to be in India,'' he added.

''Let me assure you that tremendous opportunities await you, thanks to recent advancements in science and technology,'' Mr Sibal said.

He had earlier said the IITians went abroad to earn money, but impressed with bright prospects here, more than 25,000 Indians have returned from abroad during the last three yrs.

''There was an impression that coalition governments in India were responsible for the mess, but the deep rooted democracy has encouraged MNCs to invest in the country,'' the minister said.

On 27 per cent reservation for the OBCs, Mr Sibal said the decision was aimed at empowering the less privileged, ''who have remained neglected so far.'' ''However, the level of excellence should be maintained in the higher educational institutions,'' he added.

Meanwhile, the IIT-K students formed a human chain in front of the convocation venue, where the minister was to speak.

Holding placards, they demanded the withdrawal of the quota proposal, saying, ''It will affect the standard of education.'' Mr Sibal asked them to put forward their demands to the Moily Committee for redressal.

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