Can IESA and Experts Accelerate Skilling Reforms in 2026 to Establish India as a Global Talent Hub?
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Synopsis
As India approaches 2026, industry leaders urge a rapid transformation in skilling and employment strategies. With a vast youth population and growing demand for skilled workers, the nation must act decisively to realize its potential as a global talent center. Explore how the IESA and experts envision this critical reform.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent need for skilling reforms to address employability gaps.
- Collaboration among government, industry, and academia is essential.
- Renewable energy sector faces a significant skill shortage.
- A focus on women's empowerment in the workforce is vital.
- Technological advancements will reshape job skills by 2030.
New Delhi, Dec 26 (NationPress) The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA), along with industry experts, has emphasized the need for accelerated skilling and employment reforms in 2026, asserting that India must act swiftly to cement its status as the world’s talent capital.
With the world's largest youth demographic and nearly 75 percent of its population in the working-age category, experts believe India stands at a crucial juncture where collaboration between government, industry, and academia can yield significant benefits.
“The government has already initiated strong frameworks through measures like the National Education Policy 2020, the Skill India Mission, and initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana,” the experts noted.
However, they stressed that the pace of implementation must increase to cater to the growing demand.
“Currently, only about 51 percent of Indian youth are deemed employable, while the annual training capacity is approximately 4.3 million, significantly lower than the nearly 12 million individuals entering the workforce each year,” they explained.
Addressing challenges in the renewable energy sector, Debmalya Sen, President of IESA, highlighted a severe skill deficit.
“The industry currently faces a shortage of almost 1.2 million workers, with demand projected to surge, necessitating around 1.7 million skilled professionals by 2027,” he noted.
Vinayak Walimbe from Customized Energy Solutions stated that India will require around 35 million green jobs by 2047.
“While initiatives led by the industry are in progress, enhanced government support is essential, including mandatory green skills modules in technical education, certifications linked to industry, and dedicated funding for sustainability-focused training institutions,” he suggested.
Santosh Rudrawar from the Sanjay Ghodawat Group emphasized the need for empowering women in India's retail sector, particularly in rural regions.
“While government initiatives have made strides, the sector now requires robust training frameworks that prepare women for leadership roles, not just entry-level positions,” Rudrawar stated.
Naman Jain from Silverline Prestige School remarked on the progress made in education and skilling reforms by 2025 but noted a significant gap remains between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
“Although 2025 has laid a transformative foundation for India’s educational and skilling landscape, backed by substantial government initiatives, the persistent skill gap in the workforce calls for a unique approach prioritizing skilling and upskilling,” Jain added.
Vinayak V. Bhosale from Sanjay Ghodawat University pointed out that technological advancements driven by AI, robotics, and automation will reshape nearly 40 percent of core job skills by 2030.
Point of View
The urgency surrounding skilling reforms is palpable. As India boasts the largest youth population globally, it is imperative that we align educational frameworks with industry needs to harness this demographic advantage. The collaborative efforts of the government, academia, and industry must be prioritized to ensure that our youth are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in an evolving job market.
NationPress
28/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there a need for faster skilling reforms in India?
Faster skilling reforms are crucial due to the growing demand for skilled workers in various sectors, especially as India prepares to become a global talent hub. Current employability rates stand at just 51%, highlighting the need for immediate action.
What initiatives has the government implemented for skilling?
The government has launched several initiatives, including the National Education Policy 2020, the Skill India Mission, and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, to enhance skill development.
What is the skill gap in the renewable energy sector?
The renewable energy sector currently faces a skill shortage of approximately 1.2 million workers, with demand expected to rise significantly, requiring around 1.7 million skilled professionals by 2027.
How can women be empowered in India's workforce?
Empowering women in the workforce, particularly in sectors like retail, requires robust training frameworks that prepare them for leadership roles rather than just entry-level positions.
What impact will technological changes have on job skills by 2030?
Technological advancements driven by AI, robotics, and automation are projected to transform nearly 40% of core job skills by 2030, necessitating a shift in educational and training approaches.
