Foreign Direct Investment in the Education Sector in India

Abstract

India has reached that but one moment when the world is waiting to hear of the great exploits of the nation as a whole. The land of mystic, the land of colors, the land of diversity, beauty and talents is ready to open its wings and fly high. In this moment we need not be bowed down with our limitations and infirmities, in capacities but arm ourselves with all possible techniques, technologies and opportunities and make a move. Therefore at this juncture we need all the possible ways and means to equip the talents of our nation to rise high and march towards an era of globalization. The once upon a time great civilization and its glory of Nalanda is past, we cannot sit and keep nostaliging about the old times, when scholars from around the world came to be educated and be trained in the skills; we need to create a new era when India will be known for being an educational hub. Today we are again at a crossroad when we can realize the old dreams and educate the world.. This liberalization of our policies are a great opportunities to widen our tents and spread our wings. We desperately need funds, expertise and technology in the field of education and Foreign Direct Investment is just the one we have been looking for.

In India, education is the key to nation-building. It is also a well-accepted fact that providing the right knowledge and skills to the youth can ensure the overall national progress and economic growth. The Indian education system recognizes the role of education in instilling the values of secularism, egalitarianism, respect for democratic traditions and civil liberties and quest for justice. The education sector in India is evolving and has emerged as a strong potential market for investments in training and education sector, due to its favorable demographics (young population) and being a services-driven economy. Further, India’s expanding role in sectors such as software development, generic pharmaceuticals and healthcare, would require the country to invest into learning and training segment as well. The education sector in India is also considered as one of the major areas for investments as the entire education system is going through a process of overhaul.

This paper attempts to discuss the possibilities of bringing quality, excellence and more opportunities in India through the FDI route.