Kurukshetra Summary: December 2024.

1. Government Initiatives in Promoting Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Bridging the Skill Gap

• India faces a significant challenge in the form of a skill gap, particularly in rural areas, where a substantial portion of the workforce is unskilled or under-skilled for modern jobs.
• The government is actively addressing this issue through a range of skill development initiatives coordinated by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• These initiatives aim to:

Promoting Skill Development

• The MSDE is supported by several skill-centric organizations, including the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), which plays a vital role in:
  • Providing certified skilling, upskilling, and reskilling courses.
  • Delivering hands-on training and opportunities for international mobility.
• The NSDC collaborates with:
  • Sector Skill Councils (SSCs).
  • National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs).
  • Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
  • Other training partners to deliver a wide range of skill development programs across diverse sectors.
• The government’s efforts in promoting skill development extend to international collaborations, such as a recent agreement with Israel to provide skilled workers to address their workforce gap.

Fostering Entrepreneurship

• In addition to skill development, the government focuses on strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem by:
  • Creating a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial environment.
  • Supporting aspiring and existing entrepreneurs across rural and urban areas, as well as marginalized communities.
  • Promoting women’s entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives, mentorship programs, and improved access to finance.

Key Government Initiatives

• Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN): Focuses on the upliftment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups through skilling and entrepreneurship development programs implemented by NIESBUD and IIE in collaboration with TRIFED.
• Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana: Targets PM-SVANidhi beneficiaries, providing classroom training and mentoring support to enhance entrepreneurial skills.
• STRIVE Project: Aims to foster entrepreneurship among trainees and future trainers in ITIs and NSTIs through awareness programs, mentoring, and handholding support.
• SANKALP Scheme: Supports the development of entrepreneurs, including those from marginalized communities, through capacity building, mentoring, incubation support, and handholding.
• Entrepreneurship Development in Six Holy Cities: Promotes entrepreneurship and provides mentoring support to micro and small businesses in six temple towns.
• Capacity Building Programme for Fair Price Shop Owners: Equips Fair Price Shop (FPS) owners with skills to run their businesses effectively in line with modern retail practices.
• Establishing EDCs and ICs in Northeast Educational Institutions: Focuses on setting up Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs) and Incubation Centres (ICs) in educational institutions across the Northeast region.
• Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana: Provides skill development training to youth from Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Safai Karamcharis.
• Solar Entrepreneurship Development: Develops skilled entrepreneurs capable of installing and maintaining solar PV systems under the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
• Entrepreneurship-cum-Skill Development Programmes: Trains individuals in roles like traditional crafts and future-oriented skills such as LED light repair and solar PV installation.
• Promoting Entrepreneurship among Jail Inmates: Supports entrepreneurship development among jail inmates through capacity building, mentoring, handholding, and incubation support.
• Training of Trainers and ED Programme in Jan Shikshan Sansthans: Fosters entrepreneurial spirit through capacity building, incubation support, mentoring, and handholding in Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSSs).
• SFURTI Programme: Focuses on the development and modernization of traditional industries in India through a cluster-based approach.
• Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes Supported by HUL: Collaborates with Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) to organize entrepreneurship awareness programs for youth across India.

New Initiatives and Collaborations

• NITI Aayog’s Project SWAVALAMBINI: Aims to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among female students and provide resources for entrepreneurship.
• Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan: Seeks to improve the socioeconomic conditions of tribal communities through skill development and entrepreneurship programs.
• Proposed MoU with the Ministry of Rural Development: Promotes skill development and entrepreneurship among Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their members to enhance rural livelihoods.

Conclusion

• India’s skill gap is being addressed through comprehensive government initiatives focusing on skill development and entrepreneurship.
• These efforts empower individuals, promote economic growth, and enhance global workforce competitiveness.
• Collaboration with international and domestic partners strengthens these programs, creating sustainable livelihoods and driving inclusive development.

2. Skilling India: Empowering the Workforce

India’s Demographic Dividend

• India has one of the youngest populations globally, offering a unique opportunity to harness its demographic dividend.
• The government focuses on skill development, bridging the employability gap, and preparing the workforce for future needs.

Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme 2024

• Provides 12-month internships in India’s top 500 companies to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.
• Eligibility: Indian nationals aged 21–24, not employed full-time, and not in full-time education.
• Benefits:
  • Monthly stipend of Rs. 5,000.
  • One-time grant for incidentals.
  • Insurance coverage and training cost reimbursement.

Other Recent Initiatives

• Swiggy Skills Initiative: Collaboration with Swiggy to provide skilling and employment opportunities for delivery partners.
• STRIVE Project: Focuses on entrepreneurship and mentoring in ITIs and NSTIs.
• PM-JANMAN Initiative: Targets skilling and uplifting vulnerable tribal groups.
• Capacity Building for Fair Price Shop Owners: Training 3,000 participants in entrepreneurship.
• SANKALP Scheme: Supports marginalized communities in entrepreneurship.
• Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana: Supports PM-SVANidhi beneficiaries with training and mentoring.
• Entrepreneurship Development among Jail Inmates: Supports entrepreneurship development among jail inmates.
• Bijnor Kaushal Mahotsav: Organized to create jobs for local youth.
• Women Empowerment Initiatives:
  • Training in aspirational districts.
  • MoU with Visa to upskill 20,000 youth in tourism.
• Skill India Centre at Rashtrapati Bhawan: Established for skilling in-house staff.

Key Programs under Skill India Mission

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Offers short-term skill training.
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKK): Standardizes quality training across India.
• Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS): Targets non-literate and rural populations.
• Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana: Promotes entrepreneurship.
• Skill India Digital (SID): Introduces AI-driven tools for job matching and continuous learning.
• PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Supports traditional artisans by modernizing skills and integrating them into global markets.

Latest Achievements and Initiatives

• Revised Model Skill Loan Scheme:
  • Loan amount increased from Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 7.5 lakh for advanced-level skill courses.
• World Youth Skills Day Celebration: Marked the 10th anniversary of the Skill India Mission.
• Apprenticeship Training:
  • 7.46 lakh apprentices undergoing training.
  • 2.77 lakh engaged in the current financial year.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):
  • Rs. 122.36 crore disbursed as apprentice stipends in the last four months.

Indian Institute of Skills (IIS)

• Designed to create an industry-ready workforce for Industry 4.0.
• Focuses on factory automation, digital manufacturing, AI, data analytics, and additive manufacturing.
• Offers short-term courses in collaboration with industry partners like Fanuc India and Taj Skyline.

Conclusion

• India’s demographic dividend presents an unparalleled opportunity to shape a skilled workforce.
• Government initiatives aim to bridge skill gaps, foster entrepreneurship, and prepare individuals for global and domestic industry demands.

3. Comprehensive Ecosystem for Rural Women Entrepreneurship

Untapped Potential of Rural Women

• Rural women possess entrepreneurial skills, resilience, and perseverance.
• Women’s contribution to GDP is low, underscoring the need to promote rural women’s entrepreneurship.

Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs

Government Schemes for Rural Women Entrepreneurship

• Skill Upgradation & Mahila Coir Yojana (MCY): Focuses on skill development for coir industry artisans with stipends and unit setup support.
• Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP): Helps SHG members establish non-farm enterprises to stimulate economic growth.
• Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP): Empowers women in agriculture with enhanced productivity and resource access.
• Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK): Offers skill development, employment assistance, and digital literacy for rural women.
• Women Enterprise Development Scheme (WED): Provides financial aid for North Eastern Region women entrepreneurs.
• Annapurna Yojana: Offers loans for women in the food service sector to meet working capital needs.
• Mudra Yojana Loans for Women Entrepreneurs: Provides micro-credit and special provisions for small women entrepreneurs.
• Start-Up India Initiative: Encourages startups with 46% of recognized startups having at least one woman director.

Addressing Loopholes in Existing Schemes

• Lack of awareness and promotion among beneficiaries.
• Overemphasis on financial and skill development support, neglecting market linkages and mentorship.
• Limited targeted schemes for rural women entrepreneurs.
• Neglect of sectors like services and the digital economy.
• Partial online access to schemes with unfriendly user interfaces.

Recommendations for Improvement

• Create comprehensive schemes covering entrepreneurship promotion, business support, market linkages, finance, and mentoring.
• Ensure a smooth user journey from registration to benefit availing.
• Enhance online access with improved user interfaces, multilingual content, and regional language support.
• Provide physical or assisted access for women with limited digital literacy.
• Collect gender-disaggregated data to monitor scheme performance by sector and region.
• Support formalization of women-owned informal enterprises by assisting with licenses and paperwork.

Conclusion

• Empowering rural women entrepreneurs is key to economic growth.
• Addressing existing scheme gaps and fostering inclusivity will unlock the untapped potential of women in driving sustainable development.

4. Building a Skilled Workforce in Rural India

Importance of Skilling in Rural India

• Skilling plays a crucial role in rural development by providing better job opportunities and reducing migration to urban areas.
• It fosters entrepreneurship among rural youth, enabling them to contribute to local economies.
• Targeted programs like DDU-GKY and RSETI have demonstrated encouraging results in enhancing rural livelihoods.

India’s Demographic Dividend

• India has a young population, with 65% under the age of 35, presenting a significant opportunity to harness its demographic dividend.
• Skilling is essential to prepare this young workforce for the demands of a modern economy.
• Despite improvements in employability, a large portion of the workforce still lacks critical skills.

Government Initiatives for Skilling

• Prime Minister’s Package for Skilling and Employment: This initiative aims to skill 20 lakh youth and upgrade 1,000 ITIs across the country.
• National Policy on Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (NPSDE): This policy focuses on bridging skill gaps, improving industry engagement, and expanding apprenticeship opportunities.
• Skill India Mission (SIM): This mission equips Indian youth with industry-relevant skills through schemes like PMKVY, JSS, NAPS, and CTS.
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Since its inception, PMKVY has trained 1.42 crore individuals in various skill domains.
• Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS): This scheme provides vocational training through over 15,000 ITIs, with increasing participation of women.
• Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS): JSS targets non-literates and marginalized groups, offering skill training to empower these communities.
• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS): NAPS supports over 32 lakh apprentices, promoting on-the-job training with increasing participation from women.
• Entrepreneurship Training: Institutions like NIESBUD and IIE have provided entrepreneurial training to numerous beneficiaries.
• Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH): SIDH facilitates access to skilling, credit, and employment through AI/ML integration.
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY): This placement-linked program mandates a 70% minimum placement rate for trained candidates.
• Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs): RSETIs offer free skill training and credit assistance to rural youth for self-employment.

Partnering with Industry for Skilling

• The Skill India Mission collaborates with industries through NSDC-driven partnerships to support skill development, reskilling, and upskilling.
• The government aligns skilling programs with market demands by collaborating with industries and prioritizing future-ready job roles.

Skilling India at Global Standards

• India is expanding its global skilling footprint through initiatives like Skill India International Centers (SIICs).
• Partnerships with countries such as Australia, Germany, Japan, and the UK focus on aligning skilling with international standards.
• Migration and Mobility Agreements with several countries support skilling aligned with global demands.

Impact of Skill Development Initiatives

• These initiatives have contributed to reducing unemployment rates and increasing wages in rural areas.
• The focus on skilling has led to the growth of rural industries and created employment opportunities in the hinterlands.

Conclusion

• Skilling programs are crucial for rural development and the effective utilization of India’s demographic dividend.
• Continued investment and innovative strategies are needed to ensure long-term economic growth and inclusivity in rural areas.

5.  Skilling the Youth through Technology

The Importance of Skilling in the Digital Age

• India faces the challenge of preparing its youth for a competitive, digital-first world.
• Skilling is crucial for improving job prospects, productivity, and adaptability in a rapidly changing global economy.
• Technology plays a vital role in skilling by providing scalability, accessibility, and customization.

Government Initiatives for Technology-Driven Skilling

• Digital India Campaign: Enhances digital literacy and infrastructure, creating the foundation for online skilling.
• Skill India Mission: Aligns vocational training programs with the demands of the 21st-century economy.
• Atal Innovation Mission: Introduces students to emerging technologies through Atal Tinkering Labs.
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Focuses on short-term skilling programs that integrate digital tools.

Budget 2024-25 Initiatives

• The Union Budget 2024-25 outlines a strategy for education, employment, and skills development.
• It includes an internship program at leading companies to enhance employability.
• Increased funding has been allocated for the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme.
• The budget proposes the enhancement of 1,000 ITIs to align with modern skilling requirements.

Challenges and Way Forward

• The percentage of the formally skilled workforce in India remains low despite these initiatives.
• There is a pressing need for continuous learning and upskilling to meet evolving industry demands.
• Addressing the digital divide is crucial to ensure equitable access to skilling opportunities.
• India must focus on training programs that develop future-ready skills to harness its demographic dividend effectively.

Specific Courses for Technological Development

• Several courses can help students develop skills in emerging technologies, including:

Conclusion

• Skilling youth through technology is essential for India’s future.
• Technology must be leveraged to provide accessible, scalable, and industry-aligned training programs.
• Collaboration among the government, commercial sector, and educational institutions is crucial to empower India’s youth in a rapidly changing global economy.

6. Skilled Farmers: Bright Future of Indian Agriculture

The Need for Skilled Farmers

• Despite India’s long history as an agricultural country, agriculture and farmers are often perceived as untrained and unskilled.
• The Green Revolution, while increasing production, also led to problems like soil degradation and groundwater depletion.
• To address these challenges and ensure food security, it is crucial to develop a skilled and business-oriented farming community.

Importance of Skill Development in Agriculture

Government Programs for Skill Development in Agriculture

• Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP): Empowers women farmers with skills and resources.
• National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): Focuses on livelihood enhancement and skill development for rural communities.
• PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprise (PMFME): Aims at formalizing and supporting small food processing units.
• Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SHAM): Encourages the use of agricultural mechanization through skill development.
• National Beekeeping and Honey Mission: Promotes beekeeping as an income-generating activity.
• Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA): Promotes a farmer-friendly decentralized extension system.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): Enhance farmers’ capacity through training in various agricultural aspects.
• National Skill Development Mission: Implements skill training courses for rural youth and farmers.
• Skill Training for Rural Youth (STRY): Upgrades rural youth’s knowledge in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Centers of Excellence (CoE): Provide training to farmers in various horticultural crops.
• Per Drop More Crop (PDMC): Organizes awareness and training programs for farmers on efficient irrigation practices.
• Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM): Develops skills for mechanization in agriculture.
• Drone Training for Women SHGs: Provides training on drone operation for agricultural purposes.
• Food Processing Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): Provides training to farmers and SHGs on food processing.
• National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): Provides training on various agricultural practices, including drone use, natural farming, and livestock management.

Collaboration between Government and Private Sector

• The private sector, through agri start-up companies, is also contributing to skill development in agriculture.
• Collaboration between the government and the private sector is crucial for effective skill development and ensuring the bright future of Indian agriculture.

Conclusion

• Developing skilled farmers is vital to address challenges like climate change and food security.
• Government and private sector collaboration ensures the growth of modern agriculture and promotes income generation through skill development.

7. Skill and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in India

Skill and Entrepreneurship Development: Crucial for India

• Skill development and entrepreneurship are crucial for India to maximize its social and economic benefits.
• The Indian government emphasizes skill development and entrepreneurship through initiatives like “Skilled India”, “Make in India”, and “Start-up India”.
• The evolving job market and advancements in technology necessitate continuous skilling, reskilling, upskilling, and lifelong learning.

The Significance of Skill Development

The Role of Entrepreneurship

Government Initiatives for Skill Development

• The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) coordinates skill development efforts across India with the following objectives:
  • Enabling individual economic gains and social mobility.
  • Creating a learner-centric and demand-driven skills market.
  • Facilitating aspirational employment and entrepreneurship generation.
  • Improving overall productivity for enterprises.
  • Catalyzing economic growth.

National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

• NEP 2020 emphasizes the integration of skill education programs into mainstream education, promoting a flexible and multidisciplinary approach.
• It aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by exposing students to a wide range of work opportunities and skill development courses.

Bridging the Skills Gap

• NEP 2020 aims to remove the societal stigma associated with skill education and provide multiple pathways for students to explore their interests and career options.
• Skill modules are introduced early in the school curriculum, and students can choose skill development courses aligned with industry standards.
• Various states have adopted innovative approaches to skill education, such as establishing incubation centers and integrating skill development into the curriculum.

Schemes of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Provides free short-duration skill training programs and monetary rewards to encourage skill development. Over 1.48 crore people have been trained/oriented under this scheme.
• Skill India Mission: An umbrella scheme encompassing various skilling programs to empower youth with industry-relevant skills and improve productivity.
• Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS): Provides vocational training and skill development to non-literates and school dropouts, with a focus on women and marginalized communities. Around 26.4 lakh people have been trained under this scheme.
• Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS): Provides long-term training through a network of ITIs to ensure a steady flow of skilled workers in different trades. Over 79.5 lakh people have been trained under this scheme.
• Advanced Vocational Training Scheme (AVTS): Offers short-term modular courses and tailor-made programs to meet specific industry requirements.
• Vocational Training Programme for Women: Focuses on providing skill training to women and creating employment opportunities for them.
• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme: Promotes apprenticeship training and increases the engagement of apprentices in industries. Approximately 30 lakh apprentices have been engaged in training.
• SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion): Improves short-term skill training qualitatively and quantitatively, strengthens institutions, and promotes market connectivity and inclusion.
• Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH): A unified platform for skilling, education, employment, and entrepreneurship, providing access to training programs, courses, and government services.
• PM VISHWAKARMA: Aims to upskill traditional artisans and provide them with credit support for business expansion.
• Skill Loan Scheme: Offers institutional credit to individuals for skill development courses aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).

Entrepreneurship Development

• Startup India Programme: Launched to build a strong ecosystem for nurturing innovation and startups, driving economic growth, and generating employment opportunities.
• BHASKAR (Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry): A one-stop digital platform for connecting and collaborating with diverse stakeholders in the startup ecosystem.
• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): Provides micro-credit and loans to micro-enterprises engaged in non-farm sectors, including activities allied to agriculture.

Conclusion

• India’s skilled workforce percentage is low, but initiatives like MSDE’s Vision 2025 present opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship.
• Addressing challenges such as social acceptability, labor laws, and infrastructure is crucial to making India the Skill Capital of the World.