Prez calls for constant review of security scenario

President Pranab Mukherjee today stressed on the need for constant risk analysis in the light of continuous decline in security scenario globally so that the country's security establishment is prepared with dynamic responses to any threat.
Mukherjee called for an increased use of science and technology in defence preparedness, saying it has become a "necessity" these days.
"Our country desires a stable and rule-based international system. It is a matter of deep concern that the international security environment continues to decline. This calls for a constant review of the risk scenario so that our security establishment is ready with dynamic responses to any threat," Mukherjee said in his address to seventh convocation of Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) here.

"There is need for domain knowledge, and to develop capabilities and strengthen systems through innovation. Policy making should be proactive to identify problems, highlight trends, develop scenarios and recommend policy options, so as to avert any crisis.
"We must, therefore, have a pool of institutions in our country dedicated to raising the technological capabilities of our defence systems and expanding the knowledge frontier on issues of defence and security," he said.
Mukherjee said the country has adopted a strategy of high economic growth to overcome poverty and ensure equitable development.
"Our future growth will depend increasingly on the knowledge economy. Our higher education sector must be equipped to face this challenge. Despite a credible infrastructure in our country - over 650 degree awarding institutions and over 33,000 colleges - we are confronted by lack of quantity and quality.

The country is short of good quality institutions to meet the increasing demand, he said, adding that a survey found that none of India's academic institutions finds a place among the top 200 universities in the world.