Do we need more IITs and IIMs

Our govt has come up with an ambitious project of setting up 8 IIT's and 7 IIM's. The govt supports its decision by saying that currently only a miniscule number of students get the privilege of studying in these institutes.

So simple. To fight scarcity, production needs to be increased.

The govt also has a view that why should only a few states in the country have such institutes. Why deprive others.

Uske state mein IIT hai toh mere bhi state mein chahiye.

Does this move of the govt make sense ? The already existing IIT's face a shortage of faculty and infrastructure. From where are they going to bring faculty for 15 more institutes. Also setting up each IIT will cost the govt Rs. 750 crores and each IIM Rs. 250 crores. Does our country need more engineering colleges ? The situation of some of the engineering and management institutes in the country is so bad that even a student just clearing the passing marks in the exams can get admission. A large number of seats in these institutes remain vacant. Then why set up more institutes ? It will only lead to brand dilution of the premier institutes. How will it look like when every 4th engineer in the country will be an IITian ?

Instead of setting up more IITs why not use these hundreds of crores of rupees for the improvement of the already existing colleges like RECs and try to bring them to the level of IITs. This will solve the govt's problem of providing quality education to more students and also prevent the brand dilution.