Skills-Ready Workforce to Propel India Towards ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047: QS Insights
Click to start listening
Synopsis
India's skilled workforce is set to advance the country towards ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, as noted by QS World University Rankings, highlighting its readiness for future job demands.
Key Takeaways
- India ranks second in the QS World Future Skills Index.
- The country is transitioning from a ‘brain drain’ to a ‘brain gain’.
- Emerging technologies are essential for India's GDP growth.
- Skilling initiatives like Skills India and Startup India are transformative.
- AI adoption could add $500 billion to India's GDP this year.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) The skills-ready workforce in India is poised to guide the nation towards becoming ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047 and potentially even earlier, as it has emerged as one of the most equipped labor markets for in-demand skills in emerging technologies, senior representatives from UK-based QS World University Rankings, the largest global higher education network, informed IANS on Friday.
In the inaugural ‘QS World Future Skills Index’, India has secured the second position, following the US and outpacing countries like Canada and Germany.
Dr. Ashwin Fernandes, Executive Director at Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), noted that doubts about India's potential have been prevalent, and for the first time, a global index has placed India so high concerning the future of work, indicating that the Indian workforce is ready to fulfill future job demands.
“The 2020 National Education Policy positions India for the future of work. Over the last decade, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, we have witnessed a transformation from a ‘brain drain’ to a ‘brain gain’ scenario,” Fernandes stated to IANS.
“India is not only emerging as a leader of the Global South but is also actively engaging with its diaspora, which holds significant positions across global workforces,” he emphasized.
The Indian diaspora has played a pivotal role in transforming economies worldwide, and with the ‘brain gain’, “we anticipate further economic advancements. This is a promising era for Atmanirbhar Bharat and aspiring towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047, and hopefully even sooner,” Fernandes added.
The ‘QS World Future Skills Index’ recognizes India as one of the most prepared job markets for future in-demand skills in emerging technologies.
Jessica Turner, the CEO of QS, remarked that India’s skilling initiatives over the past decade have been transformative.
“Programs like Skills India and Startup India have empowered millions by enhancing relevant literacy and bridging the gap between education and employment, with a strong focus on digital strategies, entrepreneurship, and vocational training,” she informed IANS.
According to Turner, emerging technologies such as AI and semiconductors are poised to become major GDP drivers for India, with investments in these areas expected to stimulate innovation.
“This is significantly enhancing India's manufacturing capabilities and attracting substantial foreign direct investment (FDI). We project that AI adoption alone could contribute approximately $500 billion to India's GDP this year through productivity gains,” Turner concluded.
