How has India's Skill Development Transformed?

The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has spearheaded an ambitious revamp of India's skill development landscape, breathing new life into Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) since pre-independence. Their recent strides and initiatives have significantly expanded the scope, reach, and quality of vocational training across the country.

Expansion and Growth of Institutes:

From 2014 to 2023, the institute count surged from 10,119 to 15,016, marking a 48.39% rise. Additionally, over 25 lakh new seats were added between 2021-2023, with a cumulative increase of 5 lakh seats since 2014. The augmentation in trainers' seating capacity reached 49.8%, signifying substantial progress.

The introduction of 226 courses, including 61 since 2014, showcases a concerted effort to diversify vocational training. Specialized courses in Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning, along with newer areas like Drone Technology, depict a forward-looking curriculum.

PMKVY and Future Endeavors:

Initiatives focusing on women's participation, such as fee relaxations, have been approved to encourage their inclusion in vocational skilling. Special projects like the PM Vishwakarma Yojana aim to uplift artisans, providing them with technology, training, and financial assistance.

The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), launched in 2015, has trained close to 1.40 crore candidates by December 2023. PMKVY 4.0, focusing on Industry 4.0, AI, robotics, and IoT, is set to upskill lakhs of youths and is awaiting cabinet approval.

Digital Innovation - Skill India Digital:

The advent of Skill India Digital (SID) brings a digital revolution to skill and job seekers. Utilizing AI/ML technology, it offers digital job exchanges, verifiable credentials, and an expansive marketplace for skills and services.

The apprenticeship training program has engaged over 7.09 lakh apprentices in various establishments, with expectations to involve 15 lakh apprentices this fiscal year. The launch of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under NAPS has streamlined stipend disbursement.

The Directorate has ventured into fostering entrepreneurship, offering mentoring platforms like 'UdyamDisha' and initiating skill-centric projects for retired army personnel and northeastern regions' development.

National Skill Development Initiatives:

Strategic partnerships with renowned entities like Microsoft India, Wadhwani Foundation, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) signal a concerted effort to embrace new technologies and industry-relevant training.

Initiatives like SANKALP focus on institutional strengthening, enhancing quality, and ensuring access to skill training, particularly for disadvantaged groups. The Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship and AVSAR projects further aim for grassroots-level impact and women empowerment.

Source: PIB