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Skill Development
Previous Year question
Q. Not just providing employment but increasing the employability of the labour force is the
main issue of a long-term employment policy in India.” Discuss this statement with special
reference to knowledge and skill development through quality education and training. Also,
explain the trends and implications of sector-wise employment generation in the country
after 2000. [60-62 BPSC/2018]
Quotes
“Skill development will be the foundation of India's future.”
— Narendra Modi
“Knowledge and human resource development, including skill development, are the
cornerstones for economic development.”
— Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
Introduction
Skill development refers to the process of acquiring and enhancing the abilities, knowledge, and
expertise necessary to perform specific tasks or functions effectively. It encompasses both technical
skills, such as proficiency in operating machinery or software, and soft skills, such as communication,
problem-solving, and teamwork. Skill development initiatives aim to equip individuals with the
competencies required to succeed in the workplace, adapt to changing job requirements, and
contribute to economic growth and productivity.
Need for skill India
Key Objective Explanation
Meeting Industry Demands Rapidly evolving sectors, especially manufacturing, need a
skilled workforce. India needs skilled workers to remain
globally competitive.
Addressing Rising Unemployment Unemployment among youngsters in the age group of 20
to 25 years is around 40% .Skill training is key to reversing
this trend.
Balancing Supply and Demand There's a mismatch between job seekers' skills and industry
needs.
This mismatch has resulted in over 53% of graduates and 36%
of postgraduates being underemployed in roles below their
educational qualifications.
Tackling Workforce Skill Shortages A large segment entering the job market lacks proper
vocational skills, leading to underemployment. Vocational
training is critical to enhance employability.
As per the PLFS 2023-24 data on the workforce's vocational
training status. Notably, 65.3% of the workforce received no
form of vocational training.
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Addressing Social Inequality Skill development can uplift marginalized groups by offering
inclusive training opportunities, promoting equity and social
mobility.
Empowering Individuals Skill India enhances personal growth, career prospects, and
earning potential, contributing to individual and national
economic well-being.
Examples :- While 4.2% of the workforce, equipped with
advanced education and specialised skills, earns between ₹4
lakh and ₹8 lakh annually, about 46% earn less than ₹1 lakh,
predominantly comprising low to semi-skilled workers(As per
Economic survey 2024-25)
Challenges Faced in the Process of Skill India
1. Quality of Training : Ensuring the quality and relevance of skill training programs remains a
challenge. Many training institutes lack adequate infrastructure, qualified trainers, and updated
curriculum, leading to a gap between the skills imparted and those demanded by employers.
2. Reach and Accessibility : Skill development initiatives often struggle to reach rural and remote
areas, where infrastructure and access to training facilities are limited. This hampers inclusivity
and leaves large segments of the population without access to skill training opportunities.
3. Industry-Academia Divide: There is often a disconnect between the skills taught in educational
institutions and those required by industries. Bridging this gap requires closer collaboration
between academia and industry to align curriculum with industry needs and ensure that
graduates are job-ready.
4. Informal Sector: A significant portion of India's workforce is engaged in the informal sector,
where skills are acquired through on-the-job training rather than formal programs. Integrating
informal sector workers into skill development initiatives poses unique challenges, including
recognition of prior learning and certification.
5. Lack of Awareness: Many individuals, especially in rural areas and marginalized communities,
are unaware of skill development programs and their benefits. Increasing awareness and
disseminating information about available opportunities is crucial to encouraging participation in
skill training initiatives.
6. Funding and Sustainability: Sustainable funding mechanisms are essential for the long-term
success of skill development programs. However, funding constraints, inefficient utilization of
resources, and over-reliance on government funding pose challenges to the sustainability of
skill India initiatives.
7. Monitoring and Evaluation: Effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are needed to
assess the impact of skill development programs, identify areas for improvement, and ensure
accountability. However, the lack of robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks hinders the
effectiveness of skill India initiatives.
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8. Evolving Job Market: The job market is constantly changing, with new technologies and skill sets
emerging. Skill India programs need to be adaptable to keep pace with these changes and ensure
graduates possesses relevant skills for the future.
PMKVY4.0
On job training introduced
400+ new courses on AI, 5G technology, Cybersecurity, Green Hydrogen, Drone
Technology, have been introduced, focusing on emerging technologies and future skills.
Skill Hubs have been established across premier academic institutions, including
IITs, NITs, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Kendriya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools
Over 1.57 crore persons have been trained till date .
PM National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)
Apprenticeship is considered, globally as well, as the best model for skill
acquisition and earning while learning.
To support both apprentices and establishments in India, 25% of the stipend, up to
Rs.1,500 per month per apprentice, will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer
(DBT) during the training period, by the Central Government(Union Budget 2025-26)
As per Economic survey 2024-25, Participation of women has increased from 7.7
per cent in 2016- 17 to 22.8 per cent in 2024-25 (up to 31 October 2024) under the
NAPS.
Jan shikshan sansthan
The Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme is a community-centric skilling initiative
designed to make vocational training accessible, flexible, and inclusive, particularly for
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women, rural youth, and economically disadvantaged groups and caters to the age
group of 15 -45 years of age.
Over 27 lakh people have been trained and over 26 lakh have been certified under
Jan Sikshan Sansthan (JSS).
Bihar skill development mission:-
Established in 2010
To bridge the skill deficit
Since its inception it has trained more than 20 lakh people.
Kushal Yuva Programme (KYP)
Part of Sat Nischay (Arthik Hal Yuvaon KO BAL)
This programme was conducted from 1886 centres with more than 4.7 lakh
enrolled trainees in 2023-24
Recruit-Train-Deploy (RTD) Scheme
Under this scheme, the State government provides training to candidates (aged
15-45 years) based on industry standards specific to industry needs. BSDM funds
the training expenses under this scheme. In 2023-24, this programme was
conducted from 15 centres, where 4,546 candidates were enrolled, and 3,307
candidates have completed their training.
Sankalp Yojana
Sankalp Yojana is a centrally sponsored scheme, and is funded by the World Bank.
It has introduced innovative training programmes in Bihar, including tyre fitting,
street vending, and e-cart driving for economically disadvantaged women under
Patna Municipal Corporation.
Note:- In 2023-24, the State government has allocated Rs. 893.67 crore for skilling
programmes run by different departments in the State.
Way Forward: Strengthening the Skill India Mission
Strategy Explanation
Enhancing Awareness Run information campaigns in rural areas using local
influencers and media to promote Skill India and its
benefits.
Strengthening Industry Collaboration Partner with industries for curriculum design, training,
and ensuring job-ready graduates.
Ensuring Quality Training Use quality assurance mechanisms, update curriculum
regularly, and invest in certified trainers.
Combating Stigma Promote success stories and organize career fairs to
change negative perceptions of vocational training.
Expanding Infrastructure Build more training centers, train qualified instructors,
and use online platforms to improve access.
Empowering Women Launch women-centric programs, flexible schedules,
and support systems like childcare.
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Adapting to Change Make training modular and flexible to keep pace with
emerging technologies and job needs.
Promoting Recognition & Incentives Offer certifications, placements, and rewards to
trainees, trainers, and institutions.
Promote Lifelong Learning Encourage continuous upskilling and reskilling to build a
future-ready workforce.
Ensure Sustainable Funding Use CSR, public-private partnerships, and diversified
funding for long-term program viability.
Implement Monitoring & Evaluation Track program outcomes, ensure transparency, and
identify improvement areas regularly.
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