Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar wants the country’s premier Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to be self-sustainable in funding.

In his maiden visit to a central higher education institute after taking charge of the Ministry, Javadekar addressed students and held a meeting with the faculty as well.

“The Minister has asked us to design a roadmap to make sure we are financially self-sustainable by 2030,” IIT-Delhi Director V Ramgopal Rao said.

Other issues such as improving the position in world rankings, faculty shortage, placements, foreign faculty, among others, were also taken up, another official added.

“Our PhD students say that there are not enough jobs and many public sector companies such as Defence Research and Development Organisation, Indian Space Research Organisation don’t come to IIT for recruitments. This was also discussed with the Minister,” Rao said.

In his address to students, Javadekar urged them to concentrate and focus on ideas that will change the nation. On the issue of faculty shortage, he added, “There are many faculty positions vacant at IITs. I’m sure that PhD students will fill these positions.”

Calling IITs the temples of India, he also told students that the Union government is working towards positioning them as global institutions, improving research, building world-class infrastructure, among others.

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