Arjun calls for investment in IITs, IIMs of future

New Delhi, July 19 (UNI) Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh today called for having a look at the existing higher education institutions like IIMs and IITs to prepare a roadmap in terms of future needs.

After independence, the country found the resources to set up these institutions which have been catering to the needs of a developing nation since its independence, but it was high time to think what investment was being made to meet the needs of the future, Mr Singh said after giving away UGC National Awards here.

He said the country today needed to remember the contribution of political leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, who with their long vision set the country on the road of technological and scientific advancement, and people like Dr Meghnath Saha and other scientists.

''I am raising this point because there was at present a deep crisis in higher education. But I have full confidence that this can be faced with the collective efforts of academicians,'' he said.

The Minister also stressed the need of paying immediate and serious attention to the need of reviving interest in higher education and research.

''The strengthening of research in universities and institutions of higher education has assumed great importance in the knowledge-based society and economy,'' added Mr Singh.

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