Can India stay competitive without mass reskilling?
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need to upskill and reskill has become a constant imperative. Automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics are transforming industries and job markets worldwide, leaving many to wonder: Can India stay competitive without mass reskilling?
As the world’s second-most populous country, India is home to a large and diverse workforce. With the rise of automation, India’s workforce must evolve to remain relevant in the global tech-led economy. The government and companies alike must invest in scalable skilling programs to ensure that India’s workers are equipped to thrive in a world where coding, AI, and data skills are no longer niche, but survival tools.
The Impact of Automation in India
According to a report by Growth Jockey, automation is expected to displace over 69% of jobs in India by 2050, with the manufacturing sector being the most affected. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for mass reskilling in India. The report also notes that while automation will create new job opportunities, it will require workers to possess skills that are in high demand.
The Skills Gap
India’s workforce is facing a significant skills gap. A report by the McKinsey Global Institute found that by 2022, India will face a shortage of over 2.5 million skilled workers in industries such as IT, healthcare, and finance. This gap is particularly concerning in the context of automation, which is transforming jobs at an unprecedented rate.
The Cost of Inaction
The cost of inaction is not just unemployment, but global irrelevance in tech-led sectors. If India’s workforce fails to adapt to the changing job market, the country risks losing its competitive edge in industries such as IT, software development, and data analytics. This would not only impact India’s economy but also its global standing.
Government Initiatives
To address the skills gap and ensure India’s competitiveness in the digital age, the government has launched several initiatives. The Skill India Mission, launched in 2015, aims to train over 400 million people by 2022. The mission focuses on developing skills in areas such as IT, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Company-Led Initiatives
Indian companies are also taking the lead in reskilling their workforce. Many companies are investing in employee training programs that focus on developing skills in areas such as AI, data analytics, and cloud computing. For example, the IT major, TCS, has launched a program called ‘TCS iON’ that provides training in emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity.
Challenges
Despite these initiatives, there are several challenges that must be addressed to ensure the success of mass reskilling in India. One of the primary challenges is the lack of awareness about the need for reskilling among workers. Many workers are unaware of the skills gap and the need to upskill to remain relevant in the job market.
Another challenge is the limited availability of skilled trainers and instructors. Many trainers lack the necessary skills and expertise to train workers in emerging technologies. This highlights the need for a robust training infrastructure and skilled trainers to support the reskilling efforts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, India’s workforce must evolve with automation. The government and companies must invest in scalable skilling programs to ensure that India’s workers are equipped to thrive in a world where coding, AI, and data skills are no longer niche, but survival tools. The cost of inaction is not just unemployment, but global irrelevance in tech-led sectors.
As India embarks on this journey of mass reskilling, it is essential to address the challenges that lie ahead. By doing so, India can ensure its competitiveness in the digital age and maintain its position as a global leader in the tech industry.
Source:
https://www.growthjockey.com/blogs/effect-of-automation-in-india-all-you-need-to-know
