India Must Overhaul Vocational Skills Training to Meet $5-Trillion Economic Target
New Delhi: India needs to revamp vocational skills training and rebrand the perception of skill education as a mainstream option for students of all strengths to leverage its demographic advantage and meet its ambitious economic target, experts say.
According to a report by the World Bank, titled 'Jobs at Your Doorstep', many Indian students who could benefit from skill education over formal education are deterred by this notion. The report emphasizes the need for collaboration between governments, academic institutions, industry bodies, civil society, and multilateral organizations to address India's dual challenges of inadequate job creation and a skills gap.
The World Bank has identified nine critical areas that require improvement in vocational skills training, including expanding skill education, shifting towards multi-skill training, leveraging local economies, improving hands-on learning infrastructure, and fostering industry links. It also highlights the need to change perceptions around skill education.
"While globally true, in India, there is an overpowering narrative of skill education being for students who are weak and would have dropped out," said a World Bank report, pointing to a limitation that many students run to conventional streams like arts, commerce or STEM due to this perception.
Concerted efforts are needed towards rebranding skill education, as workers must develop complex problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability skills that align with job exposure during school years. The Ministry of Education's Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) programme supports the World Bank's recommendations across six states.
India faces a grave challenge in meeting its economic target of $5 trillion, amid rising unemployment and low employability rates. This situation is exacerbated by inadequate job creation and a growing skills gap among professionals entering the workforce.
In an effort to tackle this issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has launched various initiatives such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY-TI), Employability Enhancement Training Programme (EETP), National Employability Enhancement Mission (NEEM) and Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY). The latest budget allocated ₹1.48 trillion for education, employment, and skilling.
Experts argue that while some schemes like PMKVY are promising, more focus is needed to integrate traditional skills with formal education and entrepreneurship opportunities. The government is considering expanding the age eligibility for the Prime Minister Internship Scheme to 18-25 years in a bid to offer more opportunities for candidates to apply and improve their chances of securing an internship.
The world's latest development highlights the necessity of India embracing vocational skill training as a key component of its economic growth strategy.