Goyal Flags Democratic Challenges In Bringing Indian Scientists Home (Img: IANS)
Berlin: Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal took a swipe at CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke while discussing the possibility of introducing government-funded programmes to bring Indian scientists and researchers working abroad back to the country.
Addressing Indian science and technology research students in Berlin, Goyal said India needed to find ways to attract global talent while ensuring that such policies were suited to its democratic system.
“If we do this, then people like Abhijeet Dipke will come and say that it was the government’s job to fund the students, grant scholarships, so why should we do it on our own. Am I right or wrong? Unfortunately, such elements will come and mess with our heads. So we have to calibrate our policies from the point of view of our democracy," Piyush Goyal said.
Also Read: Iran Puts Trump Behind Bars? Tehran Billboard Mocks US President Over Wedding Strike
The minister was responding to a question on whether India could adopt a programme similar to China's state-sponsored initiatives aimed at bringing back leading scientists, researchers and technology experts from overseas.
Goyal referred to China's efforts to recruit scientists and researchers from abroad, particularly academics of Chinese origin, to strengthen its domestic research and innovation capabilities and reverse the brain drain.
While acknowledging the merits of the initiative, he said India would have to consider the differences between China's political system and its democratic framework.
“It’s a good initiative but then comes the difference between dictatorship and democracy," Piyush Goyal said.
Also Read: Thousands Join Sound Protest Across Manipur Valley, Police Fire Tear Gas Near Kangla Fort
He also joked about the risks associated with government-funded talent programmes, suggesting that people in China could “just disappear" if funds were misused. Referring to the situation in India, he added, “If someone misuses it in India, I will disappear."
Addressing the students, Goyal highlighted the contribution of Indians working across the world and stressed the need to create opportunities to bring their expertise back home.
“Wherever you go in the world, you find huge Indian talent. But how do we attract them back to India? But we have to also be careful that there is no misuse," he said.
