While speaking about the three-year achievements of the Modi government in a conference held at PIB’s National Media Centre,New Delhi, Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union minister for science and technology and earth sciences, claimed that India is now moving from “brain drain” to “brain gain”.
He asserted that India is now becoming a destination for scientific research. More than a thousand scientists have returned to India on various scholarships and fellowships. He further clarified that those who wish to come, have to go through strict evaluation process.
“We are sixth in the world in terms of research output, and third if you look at research published on nanotechnology,” he said.
Rathore further added that NDA government has created suitable atmosphere for scientists because of which those residing abroad are now coming back to the nation.
Steps taken by government of India for NRI
–The VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) faculty scheme launched this year, was structured in such a way to attract prominent overseas scientists and academicians, to help in contributing to the country’s research and development.
–While inaugurating the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government will launch a massive skill development programme – Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojna – that would help blue collar workers gear up for life in the countries they moved for work.
–India is also looking at empowering Indian scientists and technocrats inhabiting abroad to get involved in short term R&D projects in the country.
Indians around the world
Over 30 million Indians are living in various countries across the world, who repeals over $ 69 billion annually to the country, reported Business Standard.
A UN survey on international migrant trends revealed that ,till 2015 more than 16 million Indians were living outside their country.