India to raise global profile

Members of the Indian Civil Service were known as "heaven born" in the time of the Raj - once in, nothing was beyond the reach of this privileged class.

Today, the term is applied to graduates of the seven Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). Competition is tough, with 200,000 applicants for 3,500 places. But once accepted, the best opportunities await - IIT graduates research and teach at leading US universities, head top companies and generate jobs and revenues. The IITs are now cited as the model for the revival of science and technology in Africa.

A high-powered review will seek to further promote the international profile of IITs. One proposal is to set up a fund to help IIT faculty spend up to three months in a year for three years in renowned laboratories or libraries abroad. A similar proposal focuses on researchers.

There are plans to increase the number of postgraduate places and fellowships and to boost rewards for better "performers", who may be superannuated at 65 rather than 62. Faculty positions open only to Indian nationals may also be opened to foreign nationals initially of Indian origin.

Proposed development areas include biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, nanotechnology, information and communication technology.

Senior faculty will be relieved of administrative duties to allow them to concentrate on teaching and research. A top Civil Service salary and a grant of about $100,000 (£55,000) will be available to recommended appointees.

Each IIT would get an annual grant of $400,000 to support international travel and up to six months' overseas stay for certain staff. The committee also recommends expanding humanities courses, along with teaching to improve students' spoken English and communication skills.