India’s passport ranking, which lags behind countries like ghana and Mongolia, reflects a broader socio-economic context where highly skilled individuals increasingly seek opportunities abroad. This phenomenon, often termed "brain drain," stems from multiple interlinked factors such as limited job opportunities, high competition, and rigid reservation policies.
For many talented Indians, emigration offers a chance to bypass these limitations, finding more merit-based recognition and financial rewards outside India. As indian professionals establish themselves in countries with stronger economies and better infrastructure, their departure further impacts India's potential for innovation and productivity growth. Over time, this creates a self-reinforcing cycle where those with education and expertise perceive foreign countries as more attractive, leaving behind a less competitive domestic talent pool.
The prevalence of freebies and populist schemes by political parties in india compounds these challenges. Political parties across the spectrum allocate significant resources to distribute subsidies or provide financial incentives to gain voter support, often at the cost of long-term investments in infrastructure, education, and industry development.
This focus on short-term gains drains public funds that could otherwise be used to stimulate economic opportunities, improve social mobility, or reduce unemployment. Consequently, these populist policies may discourage investment in high-productivity areas, exacerbating the economic environment that drives people to seek employment opportunities outside the country.