SEEKHO – Skills Education for Empowerment, Knowledge, Hope, and Opportunity
SEEKHO – Skills Education for Empowerment, Knowledge, Hope, and Opportunity
SE – Skills Education: Providing practical and vocational training to equip teenagers with essential skills needed for various trades and professions.
E – Empowerment: Empowering young individuals with the confidence and abilities to take control of their future.
K – Knowledge: Ensuring access to quality education that fosters intellectual growth and critical thinking.
H – Hope: Inspiring hope and motivation for a brighter future through education and personal development.
O – Opportunity: Creating opportunities for gainful employment and self-sufficiency through comprehensive training programs.
Importance of Education and Skill Development in India
Post-secondary education and skill development are crucial in shaping the future workforce and driving economic growth. As India aspires to become a global economic powerhouse, the emphasis on education and skill enhancement for youth over 18 years old becomes increasingly important.
- Bridging the Skill Gap: Despite having one of the largest youth populations in the world, India faces a significant skill gap. According to the India Skills Report 2021, only 45.9% of Indian graduates are considered employable. Bridging this gap requires focused vocational training and skill development programs tailored to industry needs.
- Economic Growth: Skilled workers contribute more effectively to the economy. The World Bank suggests that enhancing skill levels in the workforce could significantly increase productivity and GDP. A skilled labor force can drive innovation, attract foreign investment, and bolster economic resilience.
- Reduction in Unemployment: The unemployment rate among youth in India is a pressing issue. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2019-20 reported a youth unemployment rate of 17.8% for the age group 15-29 years. Skill development and higher education can improve employability, reducing unemployment rates and associated socio-economic issues.
- Empowerment and Independence: Education and skill development empower individuals by providing them with the tools to achieve financial independence and personal growth. This empowerment is particularly important for marginalized groups, including women, who can leverage these opportunities to break socio-economic barriers.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Higher education and specialized training encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. India’s startup ecosystem is one of the fastest-growing in the world. According to NASSCOM, India added over 1,600 tech startups in 2020 alone. Educated and skilled youth are pivotal in driving this entrepreneurial boom.
Facts and Figures
– Higher Education Enrollment: According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20, the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education is 27.1%, indicating a significant portion of the youth population is pursuing higher education.
– Skill Development Initiatives: The Government of India launched the Skill India Mission in 2015 with the goal of training over 40 crore people in various skills by 2022. As of 2020, over one crore individuals have been trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
– Economic Impact: A report by the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that by 2025, India could add $700 billion to its GDP by closing the skill gap and improving labor force participation.
Conclusion
Education and skill development beyond the age of 18 are not just individual aspirations but national imperatives. They are critical for transforming India into a knowledge-based economy and achieving sustainable development goals. A well-educated and skilled workforce will drive economic growth, foster innovation, and ensure social stability.
Investing in the education and skills of young adults enhances their employability, reduces unemployment, and equips them with the tools necessary to navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. This, in turn, will help India leverage its demographic dividend, turning a young population into a formidable asset for national and global progress.