Jairam Ramesh Critiques Vice President's 'Disease' Comment on Students Studying Abroad

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's comments about students going abroad. Dhankhar had described this trend as a "new disease" affecting children, highlighting it as both a forex and brain drain. Ramesh countered by saying that the real issue lies in the deteriorating education system, worsened by political interference.

Dhankhar, speaking in Sikar, Rajasthan, expressed concern over the increasing number of students leaving India for education. He noted that this trend is causing significant foreign exchange loss and brain drain. He questioned the lack of assessment regarding the institutions and countries students choose for their studies abroad.

Forex and Brain Drain Concerns

Dhankhar estimated that around 13 lakh students might go abroad in 2024. He emphasised the financial impact, stating that these students create a USD 6 billion hole in India's foreign exchange reserves. He suggested that investing this amount in domestic educational infrastructure could significantly improve the country's standing.

Ramesh responded to Dhankhar's remarks by tagging a media report on social media platform X. He stated, "The Honourable Vice President has lamented that going abroad has become a new disease for students. Actually, it is an old disease that has afflicted students for many decades. I too contracted this virus in 1975, but recovered in time to come back to India in 1980."

Challenges in Indian Education

Ramesh argued that students are driven abroad due to various reasons, including the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). He pointed out gaps in education quality and professional opportunities as significant factors. Additionally, he criticised how many educational institutions are managed, which discourages students from staying in India.

He reiterated that the problem is not students going abroad but rather an indication of deeper issues within India's education system. According to Ramesh, political interference has exacerbated these problems over time.

Dhankhar's remarks also included concerns about students' future prospects if they had chosen to study within India. He suggested that people are beginning to realise how bright their futures could have been had they pursued education domestically.

The ongoing debate highlights differing perspectives on the implications of Indian students seeking education overseas. While Dhankhar focuses on economic impacts, Ramesh emphasises systemic issues within India's educational framework.