• UGI USER
  • Jan 05, 2024
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UPSKILLING FOR THE RURAL YOUTH?

Rural Youth Aspirations:

  • Overview: In a Life Skills Collaborative discussion, rural youth preferred staying in villages despite urbanization trends.
  • Urbanization Challenges: Crucial to address the needs of those choosing rural life despite projections of 50% urban population by 2047.

Agrarian Shift and Employment Challenges:

  • Primary Livelihood: Farming is the primary rural livelihood, but a significant shift to non-farming jobs poses agrarian challenges.
  • Need for Alternatives: Making agriculture appealing and creating alternative employment opportunities in rural areas is imperative.
Source: ToI

Education and Upskilling Solutions:

  • Controlled Migration: To curb youth migration, essential to provide vocational training with relevant rural skills.
  • Local Upskilling Initiatives: Extend initiatives like ‘Skills On Wheel’ to rural areas for direct access to upskilling opportunities.
  • Current Challenges: Rural education lacks a focus on skill development; infusion of life skills into formal education can nurture a capable generation.
Governments Skill Development Initiatives:

·   Skill India Mission: Launched in 2015, aims to empower a large number of Indian youth with skill sets.

·   Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Skill development across various sectors provides monetary rewards for successful completion of training.

·   National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS):Provides financial incentives to employers to engage apprentices.

·   National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC):Public-Private Partnership which aims to promote private sector participation in skill development.

·   Digital India – Skill Development Initiative: Integrates digital literacy skills into skill development programs.

·   Make in India – Skill Development: Focus on skill development to support the “Make in India” initiative.

·   National Career Service (NCS):Provides a platform for career counseling and guidance.