Brain drain in Assam

OF LATE, the state has been witnessing considerable brain drain with a significant chunk of the brighter students going to other states for pursuing higher education in spite of Assam having some national level institutes of higher education.

According to sources, this is primarily because of the scarcity in the number of seats available with the local universities. With competition and the scampering for seats in the prestigious institutes on an all time high, the supply has fallen well short of demand. Consequently, a large number of students are moving out of the state to fulfil their aspirations.

Assam has four universities two of which are centrally owned, six government institutes of business management, two engineering institutes of national repute and six government institutes of science and technology which have proved insufficient to house the huge number of higher education aspirants from the state. In addition to the paucity of seats, greater employment opportunities outside have prompted the students to venture out.

Sandipan Sharma Roy, a student who passed out his twelfth standard in 2008 with 85 per cent marks, plans to pursue engineering in Bangalore, Pune or Delhi. He said, “In spite of giving a decent attempt last year, I could not qualify for any of the engineering colleges in Assam. So, I have no other option left but to move out this time. Moreover, I stand a better chance of landing a job after the completion of my course.”

According to a survey done by the educational department, nearly hundred crores rupees flow out of Assam because of this mass exodus of students from the state. The parents are also partly responsible for this situation. Most of the parents are of the view that their wards will get better education in institutions situated outside the state.

Amar Bhagwati, a businessman said, “I have told my son to pursue his graduation in Delhi so that he stands a better chance to crack the different entrance examinations like CAT and GMAT.”

The academic circle in the state contends that notwithstanding a large number of quality institutes in the state, because of the lack of adequate infrastructure, a large number of students are moving out.

S. Jha, a mathematics lecturer in a city college said, “The administration has to significantly enhance the available infrastructure in addition to augmenting the number of seats available in order to stop the outflow of brains from the state.”

The students agree. Poulami Sharma, a student of class 12 said, “Who wants to go out of their homes if quality education is available at one’s doorsteps. If I get an opportunity in any of the medical colleges of the state, I shall not move out.”

Source: http://www.merinews.com

Date: 24th March, 2010

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