Expressing concern over the quality of education, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said that demographic dividend would remain an empty dream if present educational standards are not upgraded.
Addressing a meeting of the Directors of Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, and Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in his capacity as isitor, Pranab Mukherjee said: “Our youth will end up contributing less to nation-building unless Central educational institutions are imparted quality education and requisite skills.”
Referring to the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, the President said “one of the key elements of the policy is to position India among the top five global scientific powers by 2020.”
“The IISERs and IISc have to play a leading role in realising our dream of scientific prowess. IISc and IISERs have to promote a culture of excellence with zero tolerance for mediocrity,” he said.
“Science, education, research and innovation are the four pillars on which the development as well as the work culture of a nation rests. Scientific temperament cannot happen unless we improve the delivery of education at all levels,” the President said.
He pointed out that in spite of established institutions like IISc and IITs, India sends more than two lakh students abroad every year for tertiary education. He called upon Directors of IISc and IISERs to explore opportunities not only for our students but also to attract more foreign students to study in India. “To make India a world power, we must nurture our own talent as well as global talent,” he said.
The meeting was organised in follow up to the Conference of Vice Chancellors of Central Universities held in February 2013 and 2014 as well as the Conference of Directors of NITs held in November 2013. Pranab also called for conducting such meetings every year.