Answer

India’s education system faces criticism for not aligning with the labor market’s skill requirements, despite a surge in graduates. As of 2023-24, the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above was reported at 3.2% by government estimates. This paradox of educated unemployment alongside a shortage of skilled labor emphasizes the disconnect between education and industry needs.

Paradox of Educated Unemployment and Skilled Labour Shortage

• Oversupply of Graduates: India produces 10 million graduates annually, but most are unemployable due to a lack of practical skills.
  For example: A recent report showed that 263 law applicants for district judge posts in Odisha failed to pass the qualifying exam.
• Mismatch in Skill Sets: Graduates seek white-collar jobs, ignoring hands-on skills, which results in a lack of workers for practical roles.
  For example: There is a shortage of electricians and carpenters, despite high demand, due to social stigma against blue-collar work.
• Inefficient Education System: The focus remains on academic credentials, neglecting industry-specific practical training and soft skills.
  For example: Many college graduates lack the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, thus remaining unemployable.
• Technological Displacement: AI and automation threaten many white-collar jobs, but skilled labor is more resilient to such changes.
  For example: The rise of AI in fields like coding and data analysis is making such jobs obsolete, while electricians and plumbers remain indispensable.
• Underestimation of Informal Sector: Many graduates overlook the informal job market, where skilled workers thrive and earn well.
  For example: A cook who dropped out after school earns Rs 30,000-40,000 monthly by working in multiple houses, far surpassing the earnings of many graduates.

Progress Made to Address the Paradox

• Skill Development Initiatives: The government launched schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to provide training in skill-based jobs.
  For example: PMKVY has trained millions in sectors like plumbing, electrician work, and IT, improving employability in blue-collar sectors.
• Startups and Innovation: A surge in niche job creation is allowing people to find unconventional, well-paying opportunities outside traditional sectors.
  For example: Dog walkers, pigeon net makers, and dog groomers now have a place in the market, offering attractive incomes in urban areas.
• Private Sector Collaboration: Companies are increasingly partnering with educational institutions to design curricula that align with industry needs.
  For example: TCS and Wipro offer certification programs in tech-related fields, directly addressing the skills gap in the IT industry.
• Vocational Education: More emphasis is being placed on vocational training, enabling individuals to acquire practical skills early on.
  For example: The National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) runs programs that focus on practical, hands-on training in sectors like construction, healthcare, and hospitality.
• Rural Employment Schemes: Government initiatives like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) are addressing the shortage of skilled labor in rural areas.
  For example: MGNREGA provides job security for unskilled workers and encourages skill development in construction and infrastructure.

Measures to Align Education with Market Needs

• Industry-Oriented Curriculum: Education systems must adopt a curriculum that emphasizes practical skills over theoretical knowledge.
  For example: Integrating coding, digital literacy, and vocational subjects into school and college curriculums can make students more market-ready.
• Entrepreneurial Encouragement: Universities and colleges should promote an entrepreneurial mindset among students by offering support for startups.
  For example: Many top universities now offer entrepreneurship courses and incubation centers to help students develop their business ideas.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Government should collaborate with the private sector to create industry-relevant training and placement opportunities.
  For example: The tie-up between Siemens and the Skill Development Ministry to train students in advanced manufacturing techniques can bridge the skills gap.
• Integration of Soft Skills: Developing soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork alongside technical training is essential for employability.
  For example: Companies like Infosys have introduced programs focused on leadership and communication skills to enhance the employability of graduates.
• Focus on Lifelong Learning: A system promoting continuous education and reskilling is needed to adapt to the rapidly changing job market.
  For example: Platforms like Coursera and Udemy provide reskilling opportunities for professionals, ensuring they stay relevant in their fields.

India’s paradox lies in a mismatch between education output and market needs. Reforming the education system, focusing on vocational training, industry-academia linkages, and skill-based learning will align youth with job requirements. Expanding PMKVY, National Skill Development Missions, and entrepreneurship programs will unlock immense potential, fueling sustainable economic growth.