The IT industry has emerged as a major employer of technical and non-technical graduates. Because of the higher salaries, an IT job is chased and cherished by graduates. The manufacturing sector lacks the IT industry’s financial muscle to compete in the job market.
India’s growth trajectory has been severely ‘twisted’ with shift directly to the tertiary (services) market without properly pulling the ‘excess’ employment from agriculture to manufacturing and industry (secondary market).
We often hear captains of the IT industry complain that graduates are not industry-ready. That is, whatever their other accomplishments or merits, the graduates do not measure up to the expectations of the IT industry. The IT honchos never tire of lecturing the universities about the employability-deficit of the otherwise qualified candidates. Engineering graduates may be employable by the manufacturing sector, but not by the IT sector. Employability is measured vis-à-vis the IT industry’s needs.
It has become fashionable for IT companies to berate the education system for not teaching the necessary ‘skills’ to students. What are the ‘skills’ the system reportedly fails to teach? Is it building that connection between learning and life that makes individuals liberal and compassionate in their outlook? Is it the development of a curious, questioning mind that can think out of the box and innovate? Is it a cultured and holistic perspective that views life in all its rich manifestations with wonder, eclecticism and empathy? Is it anything to do with nation building?
The answer is none of the above. The skills come packaged under a generic name ‘soft’. These are primarily the abilities to communicate, work in a team, solve problems (related to the industry), etc. The IT industry has co-opted universities and engineering colleges to teach ‘soft’ skills to students to make them ready for IT careers. The focus seems to be on learning the skills to land an IT job from day one rather than learning science and technology. It is as if the purpose of technical education in India is to create a captive pool of industry — a ready workforce for our IT giants. The lowest levels of R & D initiatives, IPs and number of PhD that India produces within a year is the best proof of the sad state of affairs with the technological advancements and skill development ! Where are the basic sciences ?
India may be an IT superpower but is a technological laggard. In a sense, the IT sector has hampered the growth of science and technology. It has always perplexed me why India cannot manufacture passenger and military aircraft with cent per cent indigenous content. India’s ‘own’ Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ comes with an engine manufactured by the General Electric Company in the U.S. Self -sufficiency in defence production is far away.
No nation can hope to become a superpower without a qualitatively superior technological prowess. Yes, IT is essential, with its vast employment potential and the fame of India as the future (present) Knowledge Hub in delivering soft services. But at the cost of the very technology research initiatives ? Not a good proposal. It has become a profit motive again, just like any other business in the country ! A money Maker.
What is the contribution of the famed IITs to research and development? Are the IITs a springboard for higher education and plum jobs in the U.S? Should the mechanical, chemical, electrical IIT graduates be working as software engineers, consultants and knowledge workers instead of contributing to the growth and competitiveness of the core manufacturing sector? Why are people so much interested in IIMs and management ? Is it because (keeping aside the salary factor) it is highly demanded and ‘expected’ ? How many of the management graduates are real ‘entrepreneurs’ ? Rather why have three degrees (masters) without any masterful gain in technology improvements.
(This discussion reminds of the ‘perplexed’ career paths some of our friends and colleagues are taking up. A friend with a B.Tech degree, then went on to appear for CAT and now, he is thinking of making it to IAS ! )
Nobody wants to take away the freedom to choose one’s profession. But when the government provides subsidized education with taxpayers’ money, is it too much to expect something in return from the IIT alumni in the form meaningful research and technological innovations?
This is not a jeremiad against the IT industry, which is a prolific employer and major contributor to foreign exchange reserves. The IT sector cannot be accused of ganging up on the manufacturing sector. We are proud that India is recognised as the IT capital of the world. But it is equally important for India to be one of the innovation hubs of the world to achieve not only technological self-sufficiency but also invent local solutions to the myriad problems like poverty, agricultural productivity, water conservation, and climate change. Basic science education should be given its due respect to foster a scientific temper and culture. We need bright and independent minds that can create great ideas in garages as well as in laboratories. It is the developing of ‘hard skills’ in science and technology that will determine whether India is able to make its tryst with destiny to become a major power. The IT industry cannot be allowed to dictate what and how science and technology are taught in colleges. Higher education is too important to be tied to the apron strings of a single industry.
With due courtesy to the Open Page article by V. N. MUKUNDARAJAN, The Hindu.
Hi there! I’m Sethu, your go-to guy for all things tech, travel, internet, movies, and business tips. I love sharing insights and stories that make life more interesting. Let’s explore the world together, one article at a time!
What can a country do with a government and political arena, so corrupt and steeped in bribery?? Its amazing that even we could have 3 square meals a day! That’s the greatest achievement, leave alone the idea of landing on moon! If a corrupt money launderer like Hasan Ali Khan could get passport within days and that too without police verification and me a citizen of India, with all valid genuine documents had to wait for two months to get a passport, what more can you expect of this nation? We are lucky to be even alive!! That spineless common man on the streets who accepts the situation and never revolts, that voracious greed of money of some rich fellows, that glaring inequality….guys i am tired and frustrated! The root cause of all misery seems only corruption !
Very much valid in today’s regards !! This has a huge impact for sure.
I think,
From the ages, Indians suffered from poverty. So, We naturally developed concerns more about security in life than creative pursuits. Once Our security concerns are addressed, i hope people will start innovative thinking and pursue different careers which suit their interests rather than money fetching jobs.
Agreed with what you say.. totally.
But that goes into entirely another discussion for me …
I cannot even think of blaming IT .. thanks to it ,we have jobs and much.. The question is not about economy being helped by IT or jobs being created. Services are the way to develop. My main concern is that .. HOW this IT fever has effected the innovations in other domains, and how the learning skills are being redirected only for IT jobs ..AND NOT FOR BASIC SCIENCES..
The manufacturing sector didn’t had this aberration of effecting the learning sector to cater to it. The demand was properly met. It is twisted in case of IT. I hope u get my point cleared here. Jobs and growth are not my concern. Learning skills, innovation and technology development are my point of divergent interests.
After liberalization of India in 1991, Indian economy opened up and IT and Outsourcing sector(mostly companies from US) started booming in India where as manufacturing sector has been in place for a long time. I would say IT is just 20 – 25 yrs old in India but manufacturing sector is pretty old in India. Those days, before IT came into existence, graduates from IITs and RECs used to join the manufacturing industries. They did start few initiatives in the manufacturing sector for the development of the country and they have been doing it. But yes, the percentage of them reduced after IT penetrated in India. But over time, I think this brain drain will be cut short with educated sector of India recognizing the potential of Indian market (primarily after sub-prime crisis).
We also need to understand that the growth in manufacturing sector is usually slower compared to the IT sector(ease of operation). Its not correct to blame that IT sector for its growth. In fact, IT sector is the one which has put India on world’s map.
I believe, the country should concentrate more on agricultural sector, where we are lacking in efficient supply chain management and not manufacturing sector alone.
Had it not for the technology advancements of 1980-90’s , we would not have any IT , nor ur job and ur salary !!! Technology should never be compromised. And why corruption and hunger need to be joined ? U should not look at priorities of different aspects. There is no way we can talk of technology staying hunger. We don’t want to prioritize technology over corruption either. All have to tackled within their own space.
The way you want is .. lets stop everything else and fight corruption. Once it is eliminated, then we will think of hunger. Once hunger is satisfied , then comes technology !! Absurd isn’t it ?!
Corruption is a menace which needs continuous fight at individual, ethical, institutional and moral levels. You cannot wait for it to happen. We can help fight corruption by not being corrupt and not encouraging it in our earnest capacity in all walks of life. Not just by browsing to a org or ‘muttering links’.
I like 2give a lyt on d scenario”Evry1 wants to survive as of now(may b it will continue 4evr) as d cost of living is increasing day by day,so who is bothered about technology” wen he cant fill his stomach wit watevr technology devlopment- Its root CAUSE IS CORRUPTION, Tek my case i dnt like my s/wprofession but,i have to do dis job orelse my dependents wud not survive.So try to stop CORRUPTION,”Helping hands r better dan Muttering mouths”–Help d people who r trying to prevent corruption so go browse- http://www.indiaagainstcorruption.org
this is true;i totally agree with this
Really worth read !