In an effort to equip India’s youth with skills for the future and ensure industry readiness, the Government of India has various initiatives in place. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) administers skill training through various schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS).
These initiatives are usually executed via Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), and are designed to cater to all segments of society nationwide. This comprehensive update was provided by Rajeev Chandrasekhar, minister-state for skill development and entrepreneurship, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on 18 December, 2023.
The overarching vision of the Indian government is to position the country as a global skill hub, providing a reliable and highly-skilled workforce for diverse sectors globally. To realise this vision, MSDE has strategically planned the establishment of 30 Skill India International Centres (SIICs) across different states. These SIICs aim to elevate India’s capacity to produce a well-trained and competent workforce that meets international standards and fulfils global demands.
In the sphere of international cooperation, the G20 Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting 2023 and the subsequent G20 Leaders’ Summit 2023 witnessed significant commitments by G20 countries. The focus was on addressing global skill gaps through well-managed, regular and skills-based migration pathways.
The G20 countries collectively adopted priorities, including mapping global skill gaps, strengthening national statistical data. Additionally, commitments were also made to explore the development of an international reference classification of occupations for enhanced cross-country comparability and mutual recognition of skills and qualifications.
The implementation of these commitments involves collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with a feasibility study scheduled for completion by 2026.
The Ministry of Labour & Employment is also working in collaboration with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and Labour Bureau to integrate basic indicators into national surveys and extend the coverage of ILO and OECD’s skills for jobs database. Notably, no specific funds have been earmarked by MSDE for this purpose.
Moreover, the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration 2023 extended support to educational institutions and teachers to adapt to emerging trends and technological advances, including artificial intelligence ( AI). In alignment with these principles, MSDE is actively integrating AI-based courses into its skilling schemes, conducting Training of Trainers (ToTs), and fostering collaborations with industries to further enhance AI skills.
