Unemployment and lack of support drive scholars away. Government must take immediate action to retain intellectual talent

India, a country renowned for its intellectual prowess, is facing an unprecedented crisis. Many PhD holders, armed with expertise and passion, are fleeing to foreign shores in search of opportunities. This brain drain is a devastating consequence of unemployment, leaving behind a trail of mental, financial, and social distress. The Government of India must take immediate action to address this issue, empowering PhD holders to serve their own country.
Pursuing a PhD is a gruelling journey, demanding unwavering dedication and sacrifice. Scholars invest years of their lives, often at great personal cost, to contribute meaningfully to their field. However, upon completion, they are met with a harsh reality – unemployment. The emotional toll is immense, as the sense of failure and disappointment sets in. The pressure to secure employment, support families, and meet societal expectations takes a devastating toll on mental health. PhD holders struggle with Anxiety and depression, Loss of self-esteem and confidence. PhD holders incur substantial expenses, often relying on loans and family support. Unemployment exacerbates financial burdens, leading to Inability to repay loans, Struggle to support families and difficulty affording basic necessities.
India produces a significant number of PhD holders annually, but a substantial percentage seeks opportunities abroad. This brain drain is a colossal loss for our nation, as we invest in their education, only to see them contribute to foreign economies and lose expertise and talent that could drive India’s growth and development. We urge the Government of India to take immediate action to address the plight of PhD holders. We propose for creation of research positions and funding opportunities in government institutions and private sectors, the establishment of a dedicated portal for PhD holders to register and explore job opportunities, attractive packages, including scholarships, fellowships, and student loan waivers, industry-academia collaboration, ensuring practical applications of research, mental health support and counselling services for PhD holders.
By taking these steps, PhD holders can be empowered to serve India, harnessing their talent, expertise, and passion to drive growth and development. Let us stem the tide of brain drain and create a conducive environment for our brightest minds to flourish. The Government of India must recognise the plight of PhD holders and take concrete steps to address their concerns. We owe it to ourselves, our nation, and future generations to empower these brilliant minds to serve India. Let us act now before it’s too late.
My heart bleeds witnessing the plight of PhD holders in our beloved country. Despite dedicating years to academic rigour, they are forced to flee to foreign shores in search of opportunities, leaving behind a trail of mental, financial, and social distress. We must address this brain drain. The pursuit of a PhD is a gruelling journey, pushing scholars to their limits. The emotional investment is immense, and the sense of accomplishment is fleeting. When faced with unemployment, the feeling of failure is crushing. The pressure to support families, repay loans, and meet societal expectations exacerbates the mental turmoil. Depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts become constant companions.
PhD holders incur substantial expenses, often relying on loans and family support. The promise of a rewarding career is the driving force, but when it doesn’t materialise, the financial burden becomes overwhelming. The inability to repay loans, support families, or even afford basic necessities leads to a life of penury. Society’s expectations from PhD holders are sky-high. When they fail to secure employment, the stigma is palpable. Families are disappointed, friends are perplexed, and the individual is left feeling ashamed. The social fabric is torn, leaving deep scars.
A pressing concern has also been brewing currently among the contractual college lecturers of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite their dedication to shaping young minds, these educators are facing uncertainty and financial struggles. The demand for a comprehensive job policy and salary hike has become a rallying cry for these lecturers, who are seeking stability and recognition for their contributions. Contractual college lecturers in J&K have been working temporarily for a long with no clear prospects of permanent employment. This precarious situation has led to anxiety and insecurity among the lecturers, who are unsure about their future. The lack of a well-defined job policy has left them vulnerable to exploitation and uncertainty.
The salary structure for contractual college lecturers in Jammu and Kashmir is meagre, to say the least. Despite their qualifications and experience, they are paid a fraction of what their permanent counterparts receive. This disparity has led to resentment among the lecturers, who feel undervalued and underpaid. The contractual college lecturers of Jammu and Kashmir are demanding a comprehensive job policy that provides clarity on their employment status and future prospects and salary hikes as per the University Grants Commission. The contractual college lecturers have taken to the streets to voice their demands, holding peaceful protests and rallies across the state. They have also submitted memorandums to the concerned authorities, pleading for attention to their plight. However, their efforts have yet to yield a satisfactory response from the authorities. The authorities have promised to look into the matter, but the lecturers are sceptical, having heard similar assurances in the past. The contractual college lecturers of J&K are the backbone of the higher education system, and their demands are just and reasonable. It is imperative that the government acknowledges their contributions and takes concrete steps to address their concerns. A comprehensive job policy and salary hike are not just demands but necessities to ensure the well-being and dignity of these dedicated educators.

Dr Mohmmad Idrees