“THERE IS A NEED TO CHANGE THE MINDSET OF THE YOUTH TOWARDS BLUE COLLAR JOBS”

Today’s youth is fascinated by government and corporate jobs. They continue to shun blue collar jobs considering them generational occupations. Time has come to acquire new skills and keep an open mind to new approaches in the various job sectors so as to develop and evolve today’s youth. With fast changing technology training the trainers has also become pertinent to the growth of the Indian economy. This was informed by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship, Mr. Ashok Chandna. He was speaking at the FICCI Rajasthan Skills Summit – Future Skills – Industry 4.0 held in partnership with Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation (RSLDC) at SMS Convention Centre today. The Minister also released ‘FICCI – PwC Knowledge Report on Fast Forward: Relevant Skills for a Buoyant Indian Economy’.

Secretary – Labour, Employment, Skill & Entrepreneurship, Government of Rajasthan, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Yadav said that there is an equal need to develop the manufacturing sector of the economy. Around 1.5 lakh crores is being spent yearly in imports in the defense sector. By developing the manufacturing industry, the country’s dependence on such expenditure can be reduced monumentally. He urged FICCI to work towards increasing the involvement of industry in skill development initiatives and suggested to form 6 – 7 sectoral councils for analysis of demand, maintaining the quality of training and absorbing the trained youth. He also urged to find ways to create employment opportunities at rural level to improve quality of life and check migration.

Managing Director, Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation, Mr. Ngikya Gohain said that there is a need to introduce ‘Market Driven Vocational Education’ alongside ‘General Academic Education’ so as to ensure the youth have avenues for gainful employment. He urged for greater coordination between Government, Industry, Training Providers for better outcomes.

Vice Chancellor, Rajasthan ILD Skills University, Dr. Lalit K. Panwar said that the focus is to create an ecosystem where skills can flourish to adopt policies and schemes as well as bring about change at the grassroot level. With UGC making Bachelor of Vocational Studies at par with B.Sc., we have been able to create a paradigm shift where a blue collar worker can aspire to be a white collar worker, he added.

Chairman, FICCI Sub-Committee on HR, Skills and Entrepreneurship and Founder & CEO, Data Infosys Ltd., Dr. Ajay Data said that disruptive technologies are changing our lives like never before and we need to calibrate the skill ecosystem with the technological advancements.

Partner & Lead-Social Sector Advisory, PwC India, Mr. Ashok Varma said that technology disruptions like Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Robotics will change the way we function. To combat technological challenges, education and training is required to boost the growth of the Indian economy.

On the occasion, the Welcome Remarks was delivered by Co-Chairman, FICCI Rajasthan State Council & Director, Honda Cars India Ltd. Mr. Raman Kumar Sharma. Similarly, the Vote of thanks was delivered by Chairman, FICCI Sub-Committee on IT & ITeS and Head – Jaipur Delivery Centre, Infosys Ltd. Mr. Somesh Gupta. The session was moderated by Head, FICCI Rajasthan State Council, Mr. Atul Sharma.

Later two plenary sessions were held – ‘Status and Roadmap for Skills Ready Rajasthan’ and ‘Building Scalable, Sustainable Skill Development Entities’.

In this regard, Cairn Enterprise Centre, a vocational training center in Barmer supported by the Government of Rajasthan and International Finance Corporation is helping to develop the capacities for the local youth. Vocational courses are being offered in subjects like – Electrical, Basic Computers, Mobile Repairing, Masonry and much more.