IndiaSkills 2023-24 Launched by Ministry of Skill Development, Aims for 2.5 Million Participants  

The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship unveiled the IndiaSkills 2023-24 program during a ceremony that also honored the winners of WorldSkills 2022, where India secured the 11th position globally.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the ambitious target of increasing participants to 2.5 million, a significant surge from the previous year's 0.25 million. This surge is seen as a catalyst for boosting competency within the workforce, prioritizing practical skills over conventional degrees.

Pradhan stressed the importance of cultivating employable skills, underscoring their role in enhancing the market acceptance of the workforce. He highlighted, "We have to give equal importance to competencies, applied knowledge, and hands-on training to lead in the 21st century."

IndiaSkills acts as a precursor to the prestigious WorldSkills competition. Exceptional performers at the national level in IndiaSkills will earn the opportunity to represent the nation in the global event slated for Paris next year. WorldSkills International, with 86 member countries, organizes this biennial competition, setting the benchmark for vocational excellence worldwide.

The event witnessed participation from more than 200 industry and academic partners, including renowned names like Toyota Kirloskar, Mahindra, Saint Gobain, Larsen & Toubro, Maruti Suzuki, and Infosys.

WorldSkills 2022 featured over 1,000 competitors from 58 countries, showcasing their prowess in 61 skills. India, participating in 50 skills, achieved its highest-ever ranking of 11th, displaying its competence in cutting-edge areas such as robot system integration, additive manufacturing, industry 4.0, digital construction, mobile application development, and renewable energy.

Relevant and latest facts on skill development in India:

• The Indian government is focusing on skill development to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the country.

• The MSDE has launched a number of initiatives to promote skill development, including the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).

• The MSDE has also set up a number of skill development centers across the country.

• The Indian government has partnered with industry to develop skill standards and curricula.

• The Indian government is also working to promote skilling in new-age technologies.

Conclusion:

The launch of IndiaSkills 2023-24 is a positive step towards promoting skill development in India. The programme is expected to attract a large number of participants and help to identify and nurture the country's skilled workforce.