Vice President Ansari calls for emphasis on education research

New Delhi, Aug 7 (ANI): Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari on Saturday expressed concern at the dwindling number of students pursuing academic research in the field of science and technology.

Ansari called for emphasis on academic research and teaching in the scientific discipline. He said:"One, less than one per cent of IIT undergraduates in the country pursue Master's or PH.Ds (Doctoral studies) within the IIT system. Two, less than 15 per cent of those graduating from the IIT move towards teaching or research whether in India or abroad," said Vice President Ansari.

Vice President Ansari opined that brain drain, poor quality of teaching methods and lack of facilities were the core issues that needed to be addressed by the authorities.

"We need, in the first place, to focus on accessible learning, affordable learning and applicable learning. We need to close the gap between policy intent and actual delivery," said Vice President Ansari, who was the Chief Guest at the 41st convocation ceremony of students in the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) New Delhi.

"The requirement to up-skill or re-skill 500 million people by the year 2020 to meet the growth requirement underlines the need to undertake this on a war footing," he added.

The Vice President, who gave away the degrees and prizes to students and honorary members on the occasion, urged the budding engineers to explore their talents to create technological innovations to help the poor and promote development of the nation.

Eminent nuclear scientist Anil Kakodkar, who has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the IIT, was also present on the occasion.

"I congratulate the graduating students and those who have received medals and awards for their academic achievements," said Vice President Ansari.

"I also take this opportunity to congratulate Dr Anil Kakodkar, who has been conferred the degree of doctor of science for his outstanding contribution and achievement in the field of nuclear science and medicine," he added. (ANI)