The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in India recently launched the IndiaSkills 2023-24 initiative while also honoring winners from the World Skills Competition (WSC) 2022. These programs reflect the government’s commitment to cultivating skill development and nurturing talent for both national and international settings.
About IndiaSkills 2023-24
IndiaSkills 2023-24 is a skill-enhancing competition designed to advance individuals’ abilities across various sectors, thereby preparing them for national and international skill tournaments. A stepping stone towards global exposure, IndiaSkills acts as an initial platform for individuals who seek to participate in the WorldSkills competition. It offers top performers a chance to represent India on a global scale.
Objectives of IndiaSkills 2023-24
The program aims to promote employable skills that are aligned with the requirements of the market. This objective is aimed at increasing the acceptance and employability of individuals within the industry. Moreover, it seeks to address and bridge any skill gaps by highlighting the necessary skills required within an industry, reducing the disparity between academic qualifications and practical skill sets.
The program also focuses on ensuring a balance between competencies, applied knowledge, and practical training. These complementary areas of focus equip individuals with the necessary tools to thrive in the 21st century.
About World Skills Competition
The biennial WorldSkills Competition, organized by WorldSkills International, includes participation from 86 member countries worldwide. The competition acts as a benchmark for vocational excellence, providing an objective means to evaluate and improve upon various industry-related skills.
India’s Performance at WSC 2022
India demonstrated noteworthy performance at the World Skills Competition 2022, securing its best-ever ranking of 11th position out of 86 participating countries. The Indian participants won 2 Silver Medals, 3 Bronze Medals, and 13 Medallions for Excellence.
India’s participation spanned a diverse range of skills, including hotel reception, mechatronics, mobile robotics, water technology, bakery, web technologies, among others. All the Indian competitors were selected through the IndiaSkills Competition 2021 and were trained under WorldSkills India Experts and trainers.
Government Initiatives for Skill Development
The Indian government has established several initiatives to support skill development in the country. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Sector Skill Councils (SSC), National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), and Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) are some of these initiatives.
These programs aim to provide quality training with industry-related standards that can effectively bridge the gap between academic curriculum and industrial requirements. Furthermore, they outline clear learning progressions for learners, from school to vocational training and higher education.
