'Global tech and India's street-smartness an unbeatable combination'

(Image: Reuters)

Digitisation will play a key role in removing hurdles that mar India’s education sector, according to Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani.

“India can overcome the challenge of educational infrastructure by digitally delivering high quality education to schools colleges and universities across the country,” Ambani said at the India Today Conclave held in Mumbai on Saturday. He delivered the keynote address on 'Why Technology Will Change India - The 21st Century Optimist'.

With the help of Reliance Jio network, about 58,000 schools and colleges are being connected and upon completion, India will have the most digitally-enabled education system in the world, he said.

Economy

In his remarks, he expressed confidence in fast-growing Indian economy stating that the day isn’t far when India we be the third-largest economy globally.

Ambani highlighted much like Make in India, the country needs a ‘Keep in India’ initiative to move to retain talent. India’s street-smartness coupled with technology will be an unbeatable combination, he said.

A jump from from being a USD 2.5 trillion economy to a USD 40 trillion economy will put India in the list of top economies, Ambani said.

Job creation

In his address, Ambani highlighted the need to create about 15 million jobs annually. Reliance Industries has been able to create 50 lakh sustainable jobs through its telecom venture Reliance Jio.

Ambani also stressed upon the need to incentivise Indians working abroad. “Some of the brightest minds outside the country. If they are brought back to this country and they work for 1.3 billion Indians and put together a new developmental model, there cannot be a better blessing in disguise,” he said.

Politics

When asked about any political ambitions, Ambani said that politics "isn't his strength". There are, however, several sectors through which one can contribute to India, he said. “I am a big believer in in terms of executing so that benefits can come to millions of people,” he said. He lauded Prime Minister Modi saying that the country has a leader who not only understands the people but the world and technology.

(Disclosure: Reliance Industries owns Network 18 which publishes Moneycontrol.)