Study abroad: Kerala to make law to stem flow

Two committees to study prevention of brain drain

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state to make laws to prevent youth from leaving Kerala en masse and migrating abroad for higher education and employment. It is meant to regulate agencies that recruit youth for higher studies. Two committees were formed with Digital University VC Prof Saji Gopinath as chairman to study law-making and Kannur University VC Prof Gopinath Ravindran as chairman to study student migration. Supreme Court lawyer Sriram Parakkat is also in the committee. The aim is to prevent 'brain drain' which can be financially and intellectually counterproductive. The law-making is being considered on the model of foreign immigration control laws including China and Vietnam.

An average of 3500 children from Kerala go abroad every year. Billions of rupees are flowing out as fees. Most fly to countries that offer permanent residence and work permits. A more independent social situation and greater availability of credit are also reasons. But most of them study in universities that are not recognized by the Association of Indian Universities. Studying these courses will not get you a job in India. Prof Saji Gopinath told 'Kerala Kaumudi' that government is looking for the possibility of legislation to ensure that the best university is chosen and the aspirants are not a victim of financial exploitation.

Outgoing youth in fields like IT and engineering is a big challenge for Kerala. Studying abroad and then settling there will also take a toll on our economy. If we used to go abroad for post-graduation, now we 'leave the country' after finishing high school. As young people go abroad and settle there, there will be fewer youth in Kerala who are good enough to get jobs. European immigration is not good for Kerala because they do not return after higher studies and take their families with them. None of them will send money here.

Goal is permanent residence

• The goal of going to higher studies in Western countries is to obtain citizenship or permanent residency after studies.
• Social security and better quality of life in the West, for the youth.
• The attraction is that you can earn by working.
• More than thirty lakhs is needed for study and expenses. The flow abroad is through selling, pledging, and taking loans of domestic houses and goods.