The Hindu Business Line : IT captains urge drastic reforms in education

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Mumbai Feb 9 Thought leaders of the IT industry are of the opinion that there is a need for drastic reforms in the country's education sector to meet the long-term manpower demands.

Participating in a panel discussion on `Strange rise of Modern India: Claiming victory too soon?' at Nasscom Leadership Summit 2007, Wipro chief Mr Azim Premji, TCS CEO Mr S. Ramadorai and Nasscom President Mr Kiran Karnik discussed a host of issues ranging from education to infrastructure.

Mr Ramadorai said that though the problem of talent was real, availability was not an issue. "But suitability is an issue."

He added that the suitability gap has to be addressed by investing in training.

Talent search has to be expanded to tier II and tier III cities.

"I don't believe that there will be a shortage of talent in the industry in next 10 years," said Mr Premji, adding that the industry should engage in upgrading the quality of education and start skilling and deskilling, based on market requirements.

Mr Karnik said that there is a need for drastic reforms in the education sector to meet long-term demand.

Mr Ronald Rittenmeyer, President and COO of EDS, said that consistency in education and infrastructure was important for India.

Calling India a land of contradictions, Mr Premji said that while a large part of India lives in poverty, the country has become the single largest consumer of whisky, an amount that is more than Scotland's output.

Further, Mr Premji said, there is a need to change the image of India as a low-cost destination to a destination that gives high value at lower costs. "We have always been a nation of followers. But innovation is coming in."

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