If a remote border villager can get Aadhaar and if UPI payments are possible there, why can’t skills be made available to people in those areas? That’s the premise on which the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), are working to take skilling to each and every Indian.
Atul Kumar Tiwari, secretary, MSDE, and Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC, told FE’s Vikram Chaudhary that skilling India is a marathon, and no matter which government is in power, the trajectory of skill development will persist until we reach the Viksit Bharat goal of 2047. Excerpts:
Would you claim that India has emerged as the skilling capital of the world?
Guided by the forward-thinking leadership of our Prime Minister, India is emerging as the global focal point of skill development. This journey has just commenced, and our skill ecosystem has undergone substantial enhancement through meticulously-crafted programmes, initiatives and policy reforms. The formalisation of policies, establishment of a common unified framework, and adherence to standards have played pivotal roles towards this. The scale of these initiatives instils confidence in India’s trajectory towards becoming a worldwide hub for skill development. Our skilled youth is making substantial contributions to the economies of Japan, the UAE, Germany, Australia, and many more.
The MSDE has made several interventions aiming to redefine the landscape of skill development and global employment. One such is the proposed 30 Skill India International Centres (SIIC) announced in Budget FY24. This reflects appreciation for the pivotal role that refining international skills can play in the global arena.
Last year India hosted the G20 Presidency…
Yes, under India’s G20 Presidency, collaboration emerged amongst member nations, fostering mobility and playing a role in facilitating knowledge exchange and skill enhancement. The G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration reiterated its commitment to recognising the necessity of skilled worker migration. It pledged to craft a pathway addressing global skill gaps, promoting the exchange of skill-related statistical data, establishing an international classification for skills and qualifications, and ensuring social security for workers, particularly those in the gig economy. This commitment is poised to bring a shift in the realm of international diplomacy, specifically in the landscape of skills. The declaration also committed to ensuring social protection policies for all.
We are working towards fostering global collaboration and bolstering economic ties, and 11 G2G MoUs have been established. Complementing these governmental agreements, 30 B2B collaborations have also been forged. With this, India’s journey towards becoming the global skilling capital is promising and, at the MSDE, we have a commitment to augment innovation, strengthen collaboration with stakeholders, and ascend India’s position on the global platform.
India has a net-zero target of 2070, and sustainability is getting more important by the year. The sustainability sector will generate new kinds of jobs. What are the MSDE and the NSDC doing in this area?
Taking forward the PM’s Panchamrit vision of scaling up climate actions, the government has identified ‘green growth’ as one of its seven priorities, or Saptarishi. The green economy is expected to have a three-fold impact on jobs:
1. Increase demand for jobs in emerging sectors like renewable energy;
2. Change the nature of existing jobs in manufacturing and construction to incorporate clean technologies; and
3. Reduce existing jobs in the fossil fuels sector.
Towards India’s 2070 net-zero target, there is an emphasis on skilling individuals for emerging job opportunities within the sustainability domain.
Skills related to sustainability cover a broad spectrum. Here are key areas where the MSDE is working on skill development:
1. Renewable energy technology: To meet the increasing demand for clean energy solutions;
2. Energy efficiency and management: Skills related to optimising energy usage, improving energy efficiency in industries, and implementing sustainable energy practices;
3. Green building and construction: Training for constructing environment-friendly and energy-efficient buildings, focusing on sustainable construction materials and practices;
4. Waste management and recycling: Skills in waste segregation, recycling techniques, and waste-to-energy processes;
5. Water conservation and management: Training in sustainable water management practices, water conservation technologies, and efficient use of water resources;
6. Environmental monitoring and conservation: Skills for monitoring environmental parameters, biodiversity conservation, and implementing sustainable practices to protect ecosystems;
7. Sustainable agriculture practices: Training in organic farming, agroecology and sustainable agricultural techniques to promote efficient farming methods;
8. Climate change adaptation and mitigation: Skills to understand, adapt and mitigate the impact of climate change, including disaster management and resilience-building measures;
9. Circular economy: Training in designing and implementing circular economy models, focusing on reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption;
10. Corporate social responsibility: Skills related to developing and managing CSR initiatives that contribute to sustainable development goals.
By investing in skilling in these areas, we are preparing the Indian workforce to contribute to and thrive in sustainability, fostering both environmental stewardship and economic growth. We have a dedicated Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ), which works closely with the government to address skill gaps in the sector.
Any sectoral analysis you’ve carried out…
With support from JP Morgan, the SCGJ in partnership with Sattva Consulting has done a study on ‘green jobs landscape’ that aims to identify vibrant sectors creating green jobs while outlining green growth trends and skilling opportunities. Sectoral analysis of green hydrogen has also been performed, along with other sectors like renewable energy, electric vehicles, etc.
Under the study, a preliminary analysis on the breakup of 600,000 new jobs to be created by 2030 (outlined in National Green Hydrogen Mission) has been carried out, which estimates that:
a. About 66% (396,000) new jobs could be created in setting up and operating renewable energy plants;
b. 11% (66,000) jobs in plant construction & commissioning;
c. 11% (66,000) in green hydrogen production and operation & maintenance;
d. 4% (24,000) each in electrolysers and component manufacturing;
e. 4% (24,000) in distribution & transport; and
f. 4% (24,000) in storage.
The study also identifies the opportunities for skilling entry-level workforce in electrolyser manufacturing and plant installation along with O&M roles and reskilling/upskilling workforce from other sectors (refineries, fertilisers, process gas industry, etc) to meet the requirements of green hydrogen/green ammonia sector. Reskilling/upskilling the existing workforce at various levels (estimated 100,000 workforce) along with focusing on niche entrepreneurial opportunities across segments is estimated to contribute to meeting the competencies needs of the industry, for making India a global hub for green hydrogen projects.
The MSDE has made big strides in green skill development, offering an array of opportunities. There are 66 short-term training qualifications identified for green jobs. There are dedicated ITI courses in renewable energy, featuring solar technician-electrical, wind plant technician, and small hydro plant technician programmes.
Also, under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), the MSDE has trained more than 425,000 individuals in green skills. Furthermore, 10 higher education institutions (HEIs) have joined forces with the SCGJ to deliver the PMKVY across states, including institutions such as Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Pacific Academy of Higher Education and Research University, Seacom Skill University, and others. This collaborative effort ensures that education and skill development are intricately woven into the fabric of national objectives, aligning with the pursuit of sustainability and the cultivation of a green economy.
The Prime Minister has advocated a citizen-centric approach called LIFE, or ‘Lifestyle for Environment’, emphasising a ‘healthy and sustainable way of living’ based on ‘traditions and values of conservation and moderation’ so that individuals can create a collective impact through their daily actions on sustainability.
These efforts aim to equip our workforce with the competencies needed to thrive in a sustainability-driven job market. Moreover, our focus extends beyond skill development – we aim to cultivate an ecosystem that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship and research in sustainable practices.
Which all IITs (or top engineering colleges) are hosting ITIs?
The good news is that IITs and IIMs have not only opened their doors to ITI students who aspire to pursue a certificate or a diploma programme from IITs, but also to those who want to pursue any short-term skilling programme through PMKVY schemes. It is for the first time that students from small towns and villages are being able to avail a certificate, diploma or minor specialisation from IITs in Kanpur, Ropar, Guwahati and Mandi.
There is also collaboration between education, skilling and leading industries where the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) Kanpur announced three partnerships with IIT Kanpur, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Dassault Aircraft Services India (DASI). These courses have been put together in consultation with subject matter experts from IIT Kanpur, and will provide knowledge around Industry 4.0 courses such as AI, machine learning, cloud computing, data analytics, advance manufacturing, Krishi 2.0 Smart Agriculture, robotics, automation, and more.
Today, 470 HEIs including specialised skill-focused institutions are hosting skill hubs. This initiative involves 197 AICTE-affiliated colleges, seven central government universities/colleges, 28 private engineering colleges, 62 private universities/colleges and 176 state government university/colleges collectively contributing to this endeavour.
These hubs serve as dedicated centres equipped with the necessary infrastructure to offer short-term training programmes under the PMKVY 4.0.
How will you measure the success of Skill Impact Bonds?
Since launch in November 2021, Skill Impact Bonds are the largest impact bond by the NSDC. A consortium of partners has operationalised its design, implemented three cohorts and enrolled 18,000-plus jobseekers, with 70%-plus women in each cohort.
As many as 18 states and 13 sectors have been covered by the Skill Impact Bonds. This initiative also had a transformative impact on women who have been confined to their homes without direct access to financial resources and going forward it will help us achieve gender equality.
It’s an election year. If there is a change in government, is that likely to impact MDSE’s and NSDC’s long-term plans?
The vision to position India as the skill capital of the world, alongside the MSDE’s long-term strategies, is deeply embedded in the national interest. We have worked on creating a foundation for skilled manpower, which is paramount in achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Recognising the critical role of skilled individuals as a key enabler, the government is steadfast in its commitment to skill, reskill and upskill the youth. Our long-term plans are strategically aligned to national priorities, including initiatives such as Make in India, green hydrogen, drones, semiconductors, smart mobility, electronics, defence and space.
We are already moving towards a whole-of-government approach to promote safe and ethical skill-based mobility, covering all aspects of migration. Provisions for skilling in the northeast, border districts and aspirational blocks will ensure inclusivity and regional development. Targeted skilling for specific groups and geographies, following models like PM-Vishwakarma and PM-JANMAN, will address the unique needs of artisans, craftspeople and tribal groups.
Mainstreaming apprenticeship in school and higher education will create a seamless transition from school to work to entrepreneurship. Enhanced on-the-job and industry exposure will be integral to all skilling programmes, fostering practical experience for both learners and trainers.
We will also be promoting micro/nano entrepreneurship to support bottom-of-the-pyramid entrepreneurs and self-employed women entrepreneurs. The skilling ecosystem will focus on high-quality training frameworks through capacity building, improving the trainer and assessor network, and upgrading skill infrastructure. Quality assurance and regulation will be aligned with the evolving skilling landscape, ensuring the sustained effectiveness of our long-term plans in shaping a skilled and empowered workforce for India.
Thus, our commitment to skilling, upskilling and reskilling the Indian workforce remains steadfast. The initiatives led by the MSDE under the Skill India Mission have a long-term vision, informed by industry insights, and are responsive to evolving market demands, crucial for alignment with global skill standards. The trajectory of skill development in India is set to persist.
In which all sectors can India emerge as a supplier to the global skilled workforce requirements?
Jobs in foreign markets depend on India’s visa agreements with those countries, and local and international mobility rules, but broader data has shown that Indians usually perform well in knowledge economy, digital economy and green economy, in addition to banking, information technology and construction. Indians are also doing well in areas such as engineering, hospitality and travel & tourism.