MoS Chandrasekhar urges youths to gain digital skills to enhance job-chance
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Union MoS for IT and Skill Development has stressed the importance of delivering industry-ready and future-ready skills, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to the youths of Tripura and other NE States to meet the demands of the thriving job market in the digital age.
In an exclusive interaction with the writer during his recent visit to Agartala, Tripura, the Minister has explained PM Modi’s vision for Skill development initiatives for different sectors that are compatible with the global job market. In a clarion call, Rajeev Chandrasekhar has called upon the youth to grab the opportunities.
“Heartland Tripura” skill development programme is part of the three-phase initiatives that include PM Vishwakarma for artisans and skill development for farming, food processing and Animal Husbandry etc. Soon the skill development for artisans of different sectors and cash crop farming sectors like Agar will start enhancing their capabilities and bringing e-commerce facilities within their reach. Improving digital skills with the help of the Industry giants, the youth of Tripura will be able to brighten their chances in the constantly evolving job market”, Chandrasekhar said.
Key Points Highlighted:
Skills Revolution: In 2014, a staggering 31 crores out of 42 crore Indians in the workforce were unskilled. Efforts have been made since 2016 to address this issue, marking one phase of the skills revolution.
Importance of Skilling: Skilling is now considered a passport to opportunity, with proficiency in various areas being a prerequisite for the different job roles created, including those in food processing, services, digital technology, and government positions.
Continuous Upskilling and Reskilling: The government's focus on skilling doesn't stop at job entry. Even government jobs require regular upskilling and reskilling, ensuring that employees stay relevant in the evolving landscape.
Industry-Ready and Future-Ready Skills: The next phase of skilling, known as "industry-ready, future-ready skills," focuses on aligning skills with the needs of the industry and companies that are hiring.
Partnerships with Industry Giants: Companies like Deloitte, IBM, and Microsoft have partnered to launch the Heartland Tripura initiative, emphasizing digital skilling. The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) is leading the effort in Tripura and signed MoUs.
Diverse Coursework: Courses cover various aspects, from drone operations for agriculture to connecting agricultural products to the market. Launching these initiatives is a significant step toward equipping Tripura's youth with the skills needed to thrive in the evolving job market.
Comprehensive Vision: The government's vision for skilling and education aims to address the historical disparity in the workforce, with three out of every four Indians lacking basic vocational training or skilling. The objective is to make sure all Indians have access to skills and education.
National Education Policy Integration: Skilling is now an integral part of the curriculum, starting from the sixth standard, ensuring that students are equipped with skills alongside their academic education.
The Power of Talent and Connectivity: The focus, in Tripura and other NE States, is on developing skilled youth who will become known for their capabilities, creating a talent pool that can draw investments. This approach is akin to what happened in Bangalore, which evolved into India's Silicon Valley due to the availability of talent. Along with talent, enhanced connectivity has made it easier to reach and operate in regions that were previously overlooked.
Boosting Northeast: The Northeast of India, including Tripura, has faced challenges in terms of physical and digital connectivity. However, these issues are being addressed paving the way for rapid growth. The region's strategic location with marked improvement in connectivity is poised to attract new opportunities.
Rural Women Workforce: A remarkable 75% to 78% of the new job opportunities are being seized by women from rural and semi-rural backgrounds, signifying the industry's commitment to gender diversity.
India on the Rise: The G20 has spotlighted India as a country on the rise, and the vision is to ensure that the opportunities over the next five years do not remain concentrated in established tech hubs like Bangalore, Gurugram, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Instead, they should expand to regions like Agartala, Guwahati, Meenak, Nagpur, and Trivandrum.
Cybersecurity and the Growing Challenge: Cybercrime is a global issue, and India, with its large and diverse internet user base, is particularly vulnerable. The focus is on ensuring the internet is safe and trusted for all users, including those who may not be digitally literate.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision is clear on this issue. India's internet should be secure and trustworthy, ensuring that even the most digitally naive users can enjoy its benefits without fear of cybercrime.
Chandrasekhar concluded by saying, “In 2014, every 3 out of 4 individuals in the country’s workforce were unskilled or uneducated. PM Modi wants to ensure that 4 out 4 are skilled workforce. I believe the Tripura youths will make optimum utilization of the Prime Minister’s Skill development initiatives and create a ‘talent pool’ that will attract investors and growth”.
# Jaydip Chakrabarti is the Editor of https://enewstime.in/ and may be contacted at [email protected]