How Can India Boost Its Skill Landscape by Recognising Informal and Experiential Learning?
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Synopsis
In a significant move, India's Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, emphasizes the critical role of informal and experiential learning to reshape the country's skill landscape. This initiative comes as part of a broader strategy to align education with market demands and ensure a future-ready workforce.
Key Takeaways
- Informal Learning is essential for bridging skill gaps.
- A robust Employability Index can track education impacts.
- The report identifies key sectors for vocational training.
- Data-driven reforms are crucial for effective policy-making.
- Adapting to market needs is vital for workforce resilience.
New Delhi, June 26 (NationPress) The skills landscape in India is primarily influenced by demand and market dynamics, according to Jayant Chaudhary, the Minister of State for Education. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging informal and experiential learning.
During the launch of a report titled “Skills for the Future: Transforming India’s Workforce Landscape,” prepared by the Institute for Competitiveness, Chaudhary highlighted that the skill landscape should cater to the changing requirements of both industry and workforce.
This report, leveraging public domain data, offers a thorough analysis of India's skills landscape, focusing on factors such as educational attainment, occupational distribution, and the acquisition of technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
“Skilling should not simply be viewed as a supply-side intervention; it must be a demand-driven, market-aligned, and outcome-oriented ecosystem that meets the evolving needs of industry and workforce. We must strengthen connections between education, vocational training, and industry, which includes acknowledging informal and experiential learning,” Chaudhary stated.
He also proposed that a comprehensive employability index would be beneficial in assessing the impact of education and skilling on youth employment prospects in the changing economic and technological landscape.
Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, remarked that skilling is an important area for academic research.
He also highlighted the necessity of creating a body of literature around skilling backed by data and evidence, and called for a deeper exploration of structural adjustments relating to skilling, education, and the work continuum.
In the meantime, the report evaluated India's skills landscape within the context of the emerging knowledge-driven global economy.
Data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) indicates that in 2023-24, approximately 88% of India’s workforce is engaged in low-competency occupations, while merely 10-12% occupy high-competency roles.
Moreover, utilizing PLFS (2023-24) data, the report identified five sectors -- IT and ITeS, textile and apparel, electronics, healthcare and life sciences, and beauty and wellness -- which collectively represent over 66% of vocational training in India.
The report advocates for multifaceted and targeted interventions to cultivate a resilient and future-ready workforce.
It calls for a dedicated and standardized data collection system to generate estimates regarding skill requirements, thereby enabling targeted evidence-based reforms and policies.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize that addressing the evolving skill needs of India is not merely an educational issue but a broader economic necessity. The emphasis on informal and experiential learning is a pivotal step towards creating a more adaptable and future-ready workforce, ultimately contributing to national progress.
NationPress
27/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of informal learning in India’s skill landscape?
Informal learning is crucial as it helps bridge the gap between traditional education and practical skills demanded by industries, enhancing employability.
How does the employability index function?
The employability index measures the effectiveness of educational programs and skilling initiatives in improving job prospects for youth.
Which sectors are highlighted for vocational training in India?
The report identifies IT and ITeS, textiles and apparel, electronics, healthcare, and beauty and wellness as key sectors for vocational training.
What is the role of the Institute for Competitiveness in this report?
The Institute for Competitiveness developed the report to analyze the skills landscape and provide recommendations for future workforce development.
What data supports the findings of the skills landscape report?
The report utilizes data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) to provide insights into the current state of India's workforce.
