A VIKSIT BHARAT- NOT ONLY ABOUT INFRASTRUCTURE, BUT ABOUT PEOPLE

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Creating a future ready workforce for viksit Bharat

"Viksit Bharat is a nation where no one is too small to dream and no dream is too big to achieve."

The rapid industrialisation in the 21st century has given rise to rapidly evolving and highly competitive global economies. To keep pace with the current global scenario, India has envisioned the dream of VIKSIT BHARAT - 2047, which is a strong, self- reliant and prosperous nation. To achieve this ambition, India needs to invest in its future-ready workforce as it is the cornerstone of the dream. To build a workforce for the future, India needs skilled, innovative people capable of thriving in a dynamic and knowledge-driven world. Building a future ready workforce is therefore central to realising India's growth.

The first step in building a future-proof workforce is transforming education. The National Education Policy 2020 makes a shift from rote learning to multidisciplinary learning, critical thinking, coding, artificial intelligence, and early vocational exposure. This ensures that students acquire critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, and digital literacy - all essential for the future. Financial literacy is also essential and should be taught from an early age. Education must be equitably accessible regardless of the individual's paying capacity. Implementation of this policy can make a huge difference.
With more than 65% of our population below the age of 35, we undoubetdly have a demographic advantage, and this should be treated as an opportunity as well as a national priority. But are we truly using this advantage? We have reached a striking unemployment rate due to a lack of adequate skills, innovation, and creativity. To tackle the massive unemployment rate, skill development and upskilling are two important components. Initiatives like Skill India, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana and the Apprenticeship Programme help bridge the gap between theory and practical exposure.

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The coming years belong to digital economies. With the advent of UPI, 5G internet, and digital public infrastructure, India has made remarkable progress. We should not stop here. To create a better and more efficient workforce, technology integration and digital empowerment should be accelerated. Universal access to digital tools, increased rural internet penetration, and digital literacy must be strengthened. Digital literacy is crucial for every age group. A remarkable example of successful digital governance is the small country of Estonia.

The future belongs to innovative thinkers and not to degree holders. A surge in innovation and creativity has sparked a wave of start-ups, and the reduced stigma around entrepreneurship has created new opportunities and strengthened economic resilience. Programmes like Startup India, Single Window Clearance System, and support for MSMEs have hastened the process and created many jobs. To achieve more growth, there should be simplification of taxation, labour laws and regulatory complexities, as these still pose a challenge. To support higher growth, India needs more efficient capital markets that allow businesses to access funds easily. Initiatives like corporate bond markets and the National Infrastructure Investment Fund have helped, yet more reforms need to be done. Micro-entrepreneurship and emerging technologies should be promoted. Through all these, India can nurture job creators who drive economic growth.

Viksit Bharat is incomplete without the inclusion of all sections of society. Including more women, people from rural communities, person with disabilities, and marginalised communities can boost overall growth and increase per capita income to achieve the $30 trillion economy goal by 2047. According to World Bank data, only 25% of women are in the workforce, and the goal is to increase this to 70%. Inclusivity can be achieved by giving equal opportunities and making workplaces safer and more adaptable to diverse needs. Inclusivity is one of the strongest pillars of Viksit Bharat.

We have started to deplete our non-renewable sources of energy, and they will be lost within the upcoming decades. Green, and sustainable energy is the long-term solution. India loses a significant portion of its productivity and economic output due to long-standing traffic congestion. Encouragement of public transport, making appropriate infrastructure accessible and affordable can make a significant difference. Creating green jobs in solar energy, electric mobility, climate-smart agriculture, waste management and creating a strong public infrastructure will create a resilient and cleaner economy.

Considering all the challenges and solutions, execution remains the toughest part -- yet the most crucial contributor to the goal. Viksit Bharat is not an easy goal to achieve, however it is definitely an achievable one. Let us strengthen our workforce for a Viksit Bharat 2047, a century after independence.