(FREE) UPSC Current Affairs 2024 PDF

(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) SKILLING THE YOUTH THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

(DECEMBER-2024)

SKILLING THE YOUTH THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Introduction

Skilling denotes the enhancement of individuals’ capabilities, knowledge, and technical skills to fulfill the evolving demands of the job market. As global economies rapidly transform through advancements like automation, AI, and Industry 4.0, the necessity for youth to refine their skills is increasingly urgent.

The ILO states that skilling strengthens economic resilience and alleviates poverty.
UNESCO associates skill development with the Education for Sustainable Development Goals (ESDG), fostering social inclusion and fruitful employment.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) underscores the importance of cultivating digital literacy, problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and other competencies essential for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

With 65% of its population under the age of 35, India is distinctly positioned to capitalize on its demographic advantage through technology-enhanced skilling.

Importance of Skilling

Confronting Critical Challenges

Youth Unemployment: Skilling provides young individuals with the requisite job-ready skills to tackle India’s 24% unemployment rate among graduates (CMIE, 2023).
Technological Disruption: The surge in automation and AI necessitates re-skilling and up-skilling to alleviate workforce displacement.
For instance: NASSCOM projects that India needs to upskill 1.4 million IT professionals by 2025 to maintain technological relevance.
Economic Growth and Productivity: A skilled workforce boosts productivity, fosters innovation, and elevates global competitiveness. For example, sectors like IT, telecom, fintech, and manufacturing create millions of jobs that necessitate specialized skills.

The Role of Technology in Skilling

Technology has transformed the skilling landscape, presenting scalable, accessible, and personalized solutions.

Scalability

Online learning platforms such as SWAYAM, Coursera, and DIKSHA offer Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), educating millions simultaneously.
For instance: SWAYAM provides AI and data science resources to learners throughout India.

Accessibility

Digital resources break down geographical and socioeconomic obstacles.
For example: Platforms like Unacademy and YouTube deliver affordable educational content to rural students.
The availability of mobile internet in rural India—reaching 650 million users—democratizes education.

Customization

AI-powered platforms like TCS iON adjust learning experiences to meet individual student needs through adaptive assessments and engaging modules.
Tailored career pathways enhance learner engagement and achievements.

Government Initiatives for Technology-Driven Skilling

Digital India Campaign (2015):

Intends to establish a digitally empowered society by: Building robust digital infrastructure. Digitally delivering government services. Promoting digital literacy.
By 2023, 400 million Indians have benefitted, advancing digital inclusion.

Skill India Mission (2015): Harmonizes vocational training with industry demands. Collaborates with firms such as Google and Microsoft to provide training in coding, web development, and cybersecurity.

Challenges and Future Directions

Current Challenges

Insufficient Vocational Training Access: Merely 3.7% of India’s workforce has formal vocational training, in contrast to 52% in the U.S. and 96% in South Korea.
Skill Mismatch: Increasing gap between industry needs and current curricula.
Digital Divide: Restricted internet access in rural regions obstructs equitable learning opportunities.
Dynamic Job Market: Future-oriented jobs require adaptability and ongoing skill refinement.

Future Directions

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Collaborate with technology firms to ensure curricula are relevant to actual industry requirements.
Enhancing Digital Infrastructure: Broaden affordable internet and e-learning facilities to rural and underserved communities.
Skill-Based Hiring: Advocate for recruitment focused on skills rather than degrees to close employment gaps.
Emphasizing Emerging Technologies: Prioritize courses in AI, IoT, blockchain, and data science to prepare a workforce ready for the future.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship: Inspire youth to innovate and create technology-driven startups.

Conclusion

Equipping the youth with technology-based skills is crucial for India’s economic advancement and social equity. As the country advances towards becoming a global workforce center, accessible, scalable, and tailored technology-focused skilling solutions will have a transformative impact. Cooperation among the government, industry, and educational institutions will empower India to maximize its demographic advantage, providing its youth with the skills needed for the future. Addressing the digital divide and prioritizing emerging technologies will ensure the youth of India are employable, innovative, and resilient in a swiftly changing global economy.