" train a few people who may or may not directly help the nation's economy." The words "who may or may not directly help the nation's economy" makes me think t

" train a few people who may or may not directly help the nation's economy." The words "who may or may not directly help the nation's economy" makes me think they mean this: IITs are considered the top institutions in India. I have heard that the people who come out of these IITs don't really help India. Most of them end up working in developed countries and contribute to those economies. Nothing much for India. So, it doesn't make sense to spend money on them. If I have to choose between funding for one IIT or 5-10 low grade engineering colleges, I would choose the latter because in some way, it is still benefiting India. IITs, I don't know. Just my thoughts based on those quoted words.