Rising Migration of Unemployed Youth: A Stark Reflection on Government Accountability

It is concerning that the burden of spending billions of dollars in foreign currency on education abroad continues to rise, yet those in positions of power remain indifferent to this issue. The pressing question is: how long will our country rely on other nations for visas for education and employment? Despite 77 years of independence, why have we still not developed our education system to a level where students do not need to go abroad for studies, except for a few specialized fields?

For years, the issue of visas granted by various countries has been a recurring topic of discussion in India. The struggle to secure visas for Europe and America has become commonplace. Recently, following the inauguration of the new American President, this matter has gained heightened attention, casting uncertainty over the futures of countless Indians currently employed in the United States. For decades, whenever India has engaged in dialogue with the US or European nations, the request for increased visa allocations for Indian citizens has consistently been on the agenda.

While India has now become the world's most populous country, it continues to face significant challenges in providing adequate employment opportunities. Similarly, for many years, thousands of Indian students have queued up to pursue education abroad. When questioned, the common response points to the inadequate quality of higher education institutions and the lack of a conducive learning environment within the country.

Whether these claims are valid or not can be judged by the steadily increasing number of students seeking education overseas each year. It is concerning that the financial burden of billions of dollars spent in foreign currency on education abroad continues to rise, yet the issue fails to receive the necessary attention from policymakers.

The pressing question remains: how long will India rely on other nations for visas to study and work? Why, even after 77 years of independence, has the country been unable to elevate its education system to a level where students only need to go abroad for highly specialized fields?

An even more alarming trend that has persisted for several decades is the growing number of affluent Indians renouncing their citizenship. This shift reflects circumstances so compelling that they have prompted many to abandon their roots and adapt to entirely new social and cultural environments. According to data shared by the External Affairs Minister in Parliament last year, over 1.6 million wealthy Indians have relinquished their citizenship since 2011. In just the past year, this figure surged dramatically from 85,256 to 2,25,620. The data also revealed that Indians have acquired citizenship in 135 different countries, underscoring the extent to which many are willing to leave India behind to settle elsewhere.

The primary reasons cited for this exodus include inadequate civic infrastructure, deteriorating law and order in numerous cities, suffocating pollution, and a convoluted tax system. Rather than addressing these pressing issues with serious reform, the political leadership appears preoccupied with securing vote banks, leaving law-abiding citizens to bear the consequences.

The patriotic anthem of the freedom struggle, "Sare Jahan Se Achcha, Hindustan Hamara," now feels like a distant dream, far removed from the present reality. Today, the challenge of building a developed and secure India lies not only in attracting global talent and wealth but also in retaining the talent and resources it already has. Regrettably, this crucial concern seems to be largely neglected by those in power.

When will the policymakers of this nation realize that a country is not built on slogans alone but on relentless hard work, an honest governance system, and a framework where justice is accessible to all? India is not lacking in hardworking individuals—our talent is celebrated worldwide, and countless Indians have achieved remarkable success abroad.

A recent report by the renowned organization Oxfam highlighted that before British colonization, India accounted for one-fourth of the world's GDP, demonstrating its historical economic dominance and potential for prosperity. However, even after 77 years of self-rule, India remains categorized as a developing nation. The primary reason for this stagnation lies in the corrupt political systems that have governed the country. Despite being entrusted by the Constitution with the responsibility to lead, many of those in power over the decades prioritized personal gain and the pursuit of power over the welfare of the nation.

As a result, millions of Indians continue to seek education and livelihood opportunities abroad, a trend that underscores systemic failures. To ensure a happy and prosperous life for the common citizen, these conditions must change. The time has come to shift focus from lamenting over visas to actively reforming and strengthening the country’s systems. Only then can India reclaim its rightful place as a leader in the global arena.

 (Vijay Shankar Pandey is a former Secretary of the Government of India)