Context: 

This editorial is based on the news “High Salaries, PR Visas: How Indians Were Duped Into Fighting Russia’s War” which was published in the NDTV. The CBI‘s raids on agents and companies involved in trafficking Indians to Russia have revealed the nefarious ways in which youngsters were duped into fighting the country’s war against Ukraine. 

CBI Busts Human Trafficking Racket Network Sending Citizens to Fight for Russian Army

• Pretext of Jobs: Some youngsters in India were sent to war against Ukraine on the pretext of being given jobs as delivery boys, others were told they would be working as helpers for the Russian army  but were categorically assured that their duties would have nothing to do with the frontlines. 
• Guarantee of permanent residency: The youngsters were told that since Russia needs manpower in the war effort and the country would issue a “government official” card to them, which would all but guarantee a permanent residency.

Why Do Indians Want To Move Abroad?

• Anxiety of an Aspirational Generation: 

• • The students feel that there is less competition in foreign countries and if they stay on after their studies, they can build successful businesses and make good money. 
    • In 2023, 13 lakh students went abroad for the purpose of employment. 
    • Out of that almost 65% of the students went to the USA, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada.

• Low Tuition Fees in Foreign Educational Institutions: 

  • The tuition fees are less than the fees charged by private universities in India. 
    • At the same time, they get good quality education of decent standards.
    • The government places great emphasis on developing and upgrading infrastructure and facilities.

• Use of Education as a Way to Migrate: 

• • The chance to lead a better life is a  major reason for students to move abroad. 
    • Renowned universities and the thriving job market are also added attractions.

• Availability of Loans: 

  • The increased availability of loans to study abroad is helping students from middle-class families to pursue the dream of foreign education.

• Specialised Courses: 

  • Most of the Outbound Students are Opting for Specialised and Advanced Courses in Foreign Countries.
    • In India, there are fewer institutes with such specialised courses and as a result, there is  higher competition among students.
      • Exams like NEET, JEE, UPSC have cut throat competition.

• Reputation in society:

  • In some families, there is a perception that sending one’s children abroad for education reflects positively on the family’s social and economic status. 
    • The children who are settled abroad get better marriage prospects and are respected among peers and family. Eg-Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat.

• Poor Quality of University and Colleges:  

  • Many colleges and universities lack genuine educational environments, marked by deficiencies in teaching staff, infrastructure, and a notably poor teacher-student ratio. 
    • For instance, in Jharkhand, the ratio is one teacher for 81 students, and in Bihar, it is one teacher for 68 students.

Issues of Moving Abroad

• Mushrooming of consultancies: As the demand of overseas education increased, both foreign and indigenous consultancies have mushroomed. This has led to an increase in scams.
• Loneliness: due to inadequate social bondings, support and friendships. More focus on Individualism as compared to India.
• Tendency to migrate in economically less developed countries: people are seeking better living opportunities and due to desperation they are sometimes opting to go in less developed countries too. Example– Venezuela, Khrysztan

Way forward

• Address Underlying Issues: that drive the youngsters to foreign countries in the search of job opportunities.
• Educational Reforms: There is a critical need for comprehensive educational reforms to alleviate the undue pressure on students, where success or failure in a single exam should not determine their entire educational and career trajectory.