PM Modi Emphasizes Skilling & Education in Post-Budget Webinar

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, addressed the post-budget webinar on ‘Harnessing Youth Power - Skilling and Education’ on February 25, 2023. The webinar was organized by the government to seek ideas and suggestions for the effective implementation of the initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2023.

Strengthening the Foundations of the Education System

PM Modi underlined the importance of skill and education as the two principal tools during India's Amrit Kaal. He highlighted the special emphasis given towards the youth and their future in the first budget of Amrit Kaal. According to him, this year’s budget strengthens the foundations of the education system by making it more practical and industry-oriented. PM Modi also mentioned the efforts of the government to bring about change in the lack of flexibility in the education system over the years. He further added that equal emphasis is being given to both education and skilling as part of the New Educational Policy.

Futuristic Steps in Education and Skilling

PM Modi noted that new technology is helping create new types of classrooms. He mentioned the possibility of Virtual Labs and National Digital Library becoming a huge medium of knowledge. He also noted the opportunity to study in local languages through DTH channels. He further added that many digital and technology-based initiatives are going on in the country which will get more strength from the National Digital University. PM Modi believes that such futuristic steps are going to change the entire space of education, skills, and knowledge-science.

On-the-job Learning

PM Modi underlined the special emphasis by several countries on on-the-job learning. He highlighted the efforts of the central government in providing focused internships and apprenticeships to give ‘outside the classroom exposure’ to its youth. PM Modi informed that today there are about 75 thousand employers on the National Internship Portal where requirements for 25 lakh internships have been posted so far. He urged the industry and educational institutions to make maximum use of this portal and further expand the culture of internship in the country.

Creating a Skilled Workforce

PM Modi expressed the belief that apprenticeships will make India's youth future-ready. He highlighted the efforts of the government in promoting apprenticeships in India, which will help industries in identifying the workforce with the right skills. PM Modi mentioned that the provision of a stipend has been made available for about 50 lakh youth under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, creating an environment for apprenticeships and also helping the industry in payments.

The Prime Minister underlined the focus on skilling in this year's budget and mentioned the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 that will skill, reskill, and upskill lakhs of youth in the coming years. He informed that tailor-made programs are being made according to the needs of tribals, differently-abled, and women through this scheme. PM Modi also highlighted the focus on creating a skilled workforce for Industry 4.0 sectors like AI, Robotics, IoT, and Drones, making it easier for international investors to scout talent without having to spend much energy and resources on re-skilling. The Prime Minister also gave the example of PM Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana, where emphasis is laid on skill development of traditional artisans, handicraftsmen, and artists to prepare them for a new market and also help in availing better prices for their products.

The Role of Academia and Industry

During the event, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for academia and industry to work together to create a skilled workforce for the country. He stressed that the collaboration between the two sectors is crucial in ensuring that the skills taught in academic institutions are aligned with the needs of the industry.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of promoting research and innovation in academia and industry. He said that research and innovation are crucial for the development of the country and can lead to the creation of new technologies, products, and services.

In addition, the Prime Minister announced several initiatives to promote collaboration between academia and industry. These initiatives include the creation of innovation clusters, which will bring together academia and industry to work on specific projects, and the establishment of Centers of Excellence, which will focus on research and innovation in specific fields.

The Role of Women in Development

The Prime Minister also spoke about the role of women in development and emphasized the need to empower women and promote gender equality. He stressed that women's participation in the workforce is essential for the country's development.

The Prime Minister announced several initiatives to promote women's empowerment and gender equality. These initiatives include the creation of a women's entrepreneurship platform, which will provide support to women entrepreneurs, and the establishment of a Women's Self Help Group (SHG) Forum, which will provide a platform for women to share their experiences and ideas.