Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Launched in 2014, ‘Skill India’ and ‘Make in India’ represent the Indian government’s ambitious attempts to address the dual challenges of unemployment and a lack of manufacturing prowess. Skill India aims to train over 40 crore people in various skills by 2022 (revised targets exist now), while Make in India seeks to transform India into a global manufacturing hub and boost domestic investment. Both initiatives are integral to India’s economic growth strategy, aiming to leverage the country’s demographic dividend and enhance its competitiveness in the global economy. They are designed to be mutually reinforcing, with a skilled workforce being crucial for the success of a robust manufacturing sector.
Skill India Mission
The Skill India Mission is a multi-pronged initiative aimed at providing vocational training and skill development to the youth. Key components include:
- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC): Established in 2008, NSDC is the implementing arm of the Skill India Mission, funding and coordinating skill development programs.
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): A flagship scheme launched in 2015, PMKVY provides short-duration skill development training, assessment, and certification. PMKVY 3.0 (2020-2023) focuses on demand-driven skill development.
- Sector Skill Councils (SSCs): These industry-led bodies develop standardized skill development curricula and assessment criteria for various sectors.
- Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs): Upgrading existing ITIs and establishing new ones to provide quality vocational training.
Achievements: As of 2023, over 6.5 crore individuals have been trained under Skill India (PIB, 2023). The mission has increased the number of certified skilled workers and improved employability.
Make in India Initiative
Launched in October 2014, Make in India aims to encourage domestic manufacturing, attract foreign investment, and integrate India into the global supply chain. The initiative focuses on ten key sectors:
- Automobiles
- Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals
- Electronics Systems
- Food Processing
- Biotechnology
- Renewable Energy
- Textiles
- Defense Manufacturing
- Shipping
- Leather
Key Components:
- Ease of Doing Business: Simplifying regulations, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and improving infrastructure.
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Protection: Strengthening IPR enforcement to encourage innovation and investment.
- Investment Promotion: Actively attracting foreign investment through dedicated investment promotion agencies.
- Infrastructure Development: Investing in infrastructure projects like roads, ports, and industrial corridors.
Achievements: FDI inflows increased significantly after the launch of Make in India, reaching $84.83 billion in FY22-23 (DPIIT, 2023). The manufacturing sector has witnessed growth, and India’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business index improved (though methodology changes have impacted comparability).
Interlinkages and Synergies
Skill India and Make in India are intrinsically linked. A skilled workforce is essential for the success of Make in India, providing the necessary human capital for manufacturing operations. Make in India, in turn, creates demand for skilled labor, driving the need for effective skill development programs. The government has emphasized the importance of aligning skill development initiatives with the needs of the manufacturing sector.
| Feature | Skill India | Make in India |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Skill development & employability | Boost domestic manufacturing & attract investment |
| Focus Area | Human Capital | Manufacturing Sector |
| Key Scheme | PMKVY | Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme |
Conclusion
Both Skill India and Make in India represent significant steps towards transforming the Indian economy. While both initiatives have achieved notable successes in attracting investment and enhancing skills, challenges remain, including the quality of training, infrastructure gaps, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Continued focus on improving the quality of skill development, streamlining regulations, and fostering a conducive business environment will be crucial for realizing the full potential of these initiatives and achieving sustainable economic growth.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.