New Delhi: The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Wednesday co-hosted the “Conference on Future of Jobs” in New Delhi. Themed “Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: Driving Growth in a Dynamic World,” the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss strategies for building a future-ready workforce in India, a PIB press release stated.
Union Minister of Labour and Employment & Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya opened the conference by emphasizing the critical role of skill development in aligning education with employment needs. “By fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, and preparing individuals for the workforce, we are creating jobs and building a global talent hub,” he said. Mandaviya also highlighted India’s potential to address global workforce shortages through initiatives like the Mutual Recognition of Skills and Standards.
The conference addressed key challenges and potential solutions for the evolving employment landscape. Sumita Dawra, secretary of MoLE, stressed the need to develop a digitally proficient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable workforce. She highlighted India’s growing role in the global services sector, with 1,700 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) employing more than 2 million people. She emphasized that a skilled and adaptable workforce is crucial for attracting investments in key sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and green jobs.
Industry leaders shared insights from various sectors. Vinod Sharma, chairman of the CII National Committee on Electronics Manufacturing, called for a National Employment Policy and a dedicated “Task Force on Future of Jobs.” He emphasized the importance of a skill-based career progression framework and increased investments in apprenticeship programs.
Discussions also highlighted the growing importance of green jobs. Rajendra Mehta, chief human resources officer of the Suzlon Group, emphasized India’s ranking as fourth globally in renewable energy employment and the potential of the green transition to create millions of new jobs.
The conference concluded with actionable policy recommendations, including enhancing skill development, fostering public-private partnerships, promoting digital literacy and eco-friendly workforce values, and prioritizing inclusivity and sustainability. By focusing on these key areas, India aims to become a leader in the global employment landscape, with a workforce prepared for both domestic and international opportunities.
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