Employment Could Rise by 13% by 2030 Through Skill Development

The Economic Survey has expressed satisfaction with employment growth indicators while emphasizing the need for faster reforms in this direction. Referring to a report from 2025, it stated that if investment in formal skill training increases the skilled workforce by 12%, employment in labor-intensive sectors could grow by more than 13% by 2030.

Experts discussed skill development in detail and recommended converting Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) diplomas into undergraduate-level degrees. They highlighted the current status of skill development and suggested a roadmap for the future.

According to the findings of PLFS 2023-24, the proportion of individuals aged 15-59 who have received some form of vocational or technical training improved from 8.1% in 2017-18 to 34.7% in 2023-24. While this reflects the positive impact of skill development initiatives in India, only 4.9% of the 15-29 age group have received formal vocational or technical training, while 21.2% gained skills through informal sources.

Need for Changes in School Education

Based on the National Survey 2024, the Economic Survey noted that only 47% of schools offer skill-based courses from grade nine and above, with a participation rate of just 29%. Experts highlighted the importance of including broad vocational education in general education from the early stages. They also identified agriculture and services as sectors with high employment potential, emphasizing the need for skill development in these areas.