President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the private sector can play a major role in improvement of the education sector in the country.
"Right now, we are having 757 universities, 38,600 courses. Only few of them, some IITS and Bangalore's Indian Institute of Science find place in top 200 universities and institutions of the world… Private sector can play a major role (in improving the education sector) as they have done in the healthcare system of this country," Mukherjee said while addressing an award ceremony here.
He added that Indian industries could not invest in the education sector despite major economic development in the country.
He asked for creation of a conducive atmosphere for cross fertilization of ideas, exchange of views and inviting international students and faculty members for improvement of the education sector.
Mukherjee felicitated renowned scientist Jayant Narlikar, social reformer Prakash Amte and Uday Kotak of Kotak Mahindra Bank among others for exhibiting exceptional leadership through pursuit of excellence at the event organised by the Indian Institute of Management – Lucknow and JK Organisation.