INTRODUCTION A brain drain or human capital flight is an emigration

of trained and talented individuals ("human capital") to other nations or jurisdictions.

Brain drain can occur either when individuals who study abroad and complete their education do not return to their home country, or when individuals educated in their home country emigrate for higher wages or better opportunities.

HISTORY Historically, the greatest brain drains have been from rural to

urban areas. In the 19th century and 20th century there were notable emigrations to North America from Europe, and in modern times, from developing nations to developed nations, especially after colonialism. Sometimes such drains have occurred between developed countries.

definition It can be simply defined as the mass

emigration of technically skilled people from one country to another country.

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

There are numerous flows of skilled and trained persons from developing to developed countries.

In these flows engineers, medical personnel and scientists usually tend to predominate.

They are characterized by large flows from a comparatively small number of developed countries and by small flows from a larger number of developing countries.

The migratory trends are stimulated both by the character of national educational systems by lack and inadequate planning for the training of students from developing countries, in developed states as well as the proper utilization of their-skills in their home country etc.

CONCEPT & MAGNITUDE Migration of people as a phenomenon differs from

country to country and from time to time. Migration of HQM from LDCs may be due to several

different sets of underlying social, political and economic forces.

The phenomenon of migration of high quality manpower can justify the use of the expression on the term “brain drain”.

Brain drain represents the defacto transfer of resources spent on imparting education and nurturing technical skills of the drained brain in question by the parent country (DCs) to the country of the transfer.

MAJOR PROBLEMS

A shortage of skilled and competent people in India. A tremendous increase in wages of high-skill labors in

India. Problems for the public sector : With the exception of ICICI,

none of the public sector finance companies have done a serious job of revamping their pay scales. They face two alternatives: a sharp increase in wages of high-skill labors, or bankruptcy.

Problems of governance : In government itself, low wages at senior levels are a serious problem. An economic advisor at the Finance Ministry earns less than Rs.20,000 a month. It is possible to have individuals take up these roles if they are independently wealthy; altruistic; power-hungry; corrupt or incompetent. This is not a happy state of affairs etc.

PUSH FACTORS Under employment. Economic under development. Low wage/salary. political instability. Over production and under utilization or HQM. Lack of research and other facilities. Lack of freedom. Discrimination in appointment and promotion. Poor working facilities. Lack of scientific tradition and culture. Unsuitable institution. Desire for a better urban life.

PULL FACTORS Better economic prospects. Higher salary and income. Better level of living and way of life. Better research facilities. Modern educational system and better opportunity

for higher qualifications. Prestige of foreign training. Intellectual freedom. Better working condition and better employment

opportunities. Relative political stability. Presence of a rich, scientific and cultural tradition. Attraction of urban centre.

Individual's motives and experiences

Economic and professional a) suitable job b) income and living standard c) working conditions: facilities, autonomy, career

prospects, relations with superiors and with co-workers.

Personal influence a) Spouse b) Feelings and interests of the children c) Family d) Friends e) Colleagues at work

Ways to overcome it Training. Ensure Job Fit. Mentorship. Succession Planning.

Conclusion Historically, wars between nations have always been about

land and its appropriation. Now a new type of war is emerging, the war about technology, human brain and its control.

Because it is only a nation’s human capital that can be converted into real wealth.

There is a clear need for international cooperation.