Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that India will soon become the skill capital of the world. He made this statement during his 11th consecutive Independence Day speech from the Red Fort.
Modi highlighted the importance of skills in his speech. He referred to the Union Budget 2024, which includes major initiatives aimed at training India’s youth. He emphasized the need for a greater focus on skill-building across various sectors, such as agriculture and sanitation.
The Prime Minister praised the expanded Skill India Programme featured in the current Budget. He noted that this programme emphasizes internships to give young people practical experience and improve their marketability. Modi expressed his vision for India’s skilled workforce to have a prominent role in the global job market.
“India will become the skill capital,” Modi stated. He also urged Indian universities to achieve global recognition.
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In addition, Modi outlined plans to transform India into a global manufacturing hub. He believes leveraging the country’s resources and skilled workforce will make this possible.
The Union Budget in July allocated Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, and skilling. The government promised financial support of up to Rs 10 lakh for higher education in domestic institutions.
Furthermore, introduction of a new scheme took place to provide internships to one crore youth in 500 top companies. The scheme offers Rs 5,000 per month as an internship allowance and a one-time assistance of Rs 6,000. Over the next five years, about 20 lakh youth will receive skills.
A Rs 2 lakh-crore Prime Minister’s package was introduced, featuring five schemes to enhance employment and skilling in the country.
The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) was launched in 2015 to promote skill development through free, short-duration training and monetary rewards for certification. As of June this year, over 1.15 crore youth have received certification under PMKVY, and more than 1.48 crore received training since its inception.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) provides skill training through various schemes, including PMKVY, Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
Additionally, the government announced the establishment of 30 Skill India International Centres to meet the demand for skilled workers from abroad.