IITs well behind Chinese peers: PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his address at the Indian Institute of Technology here (IIT-Kgp) on Monday, said the IITs were well behind technology counterparts in China when it came to research and PhDs.

“The Kakodkar committee report noted the number of PhDs is very small in comparison to similar technology institutions in the USA and China,” he said. It was significant as it emphasised the challenge in creating an advanced research-based innovation ecosystem, with the involvement of industry and national technology programmes.

“The recommendations of the committee will soon be considered by the Council of the IITs and then by the Government of India,” he said. The Kakodkar panel had been instituted last year to come up with a report card of the progress of IITs in the country and had made several suggestions, including more autonomy to these institutions.

The Prime Minister was addressing the 60th anniversary and the 57th convocation of IIT-Kgp. At the event, 1,966 degrees were awarded, of which 235 were PhDs, 29 MS, 692 M Tech, 84 MBAs, 380 B Tech (Hons) and 216 MSc, among others. Several personalities, including Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal were awarded honourary doctorates. In his address, the PM said the IITs need to take on a leadership role on innovations to fuel long-term growth and development. He emphasises the need for a second Green Revolution.

“We have to usher in a soft revolution in our academic business and administrative culture…our scientific and entrepreneurial energies should be channeled to spark the second Green Revolution, find new pathways for sustainable growth and living and make green growth a profitable business proposition,” he said.