India is catching up in development with other countries and excels in some of the fields. but the gap between developed India and developing India is widening. There is a divide of many things including lack of exposure and training and thereby opportunities to the have-nots in the modern times. Technology is making the world flat, which is an opportunity in itself which can provide a window for such an exposure.
The primary sector of the economy is shrinking and giving way to secondary and service sector. The transition may be smoothened by capacity building (improving productivity and facilitation self reliance and self-growth) and handholding of the workforce. Appropriate technical, vocational knowledge with the know how of available opportunities for the rural-urban youth, who could not for one or other reason cope up with the formal education system is a much needed intervention.
To capture the opportunities of the new era an alternative paradigm to reducing dependence on government support will need to be created and strengthened. A competitive and an entrepreneurial mindset has to be developed in youth which is the strength and future of the country. They have to prepare themselves for the ever-changing challenges in the career. Many organizations including government are trying to create this bridge for our population. Their perspectives and approach may differ but the aim is similar.
The government is trying to expand its reach of ITIs by way of privatization. NGOs are working in the vocational capacity building of masses. Experiments like Vigyan-ashram, Pabal are being replicated. Still there is a critical need for less capital intensive, cost effective, replicable, sustainable, and portable models to reach out to the actual numbers, with the ultimate objective to open the doors of opportunity for economic wellbeing and to foster self confidence and a sense of dignity in those falling behind in the current socio- economic set up.
Let us try to bring all these players on one platform to share ideas, experiences and concerns, and find (explore) the possibilities to evolve a supportive network within and across State boundaries, for the larger common purpose of imparting vocational and marketable skills training to those who need it most.
