New Delhi:The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE), Government of India, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), hosted the “Conference on Future of Jobs” themed “Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: Driving Growth in a Dynamic World” in New Delhi. This pivotal event convened policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to deliberate on the evolving employment landscape and curate strategies for a future-ready workforce in India.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour and Employment & Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, stated, “To synergize education and employment, skill development must be at the core of our efforts. By fostering innovation, enhancing productivity, and preparing individuals for the workforce, we are creating jobs and building a global talent hub.” He also highlighted India’s potential to address global workforce shortages through initiatives like the Mutual Recognition of Skills and Standards.
By fostering strong industry-academia linkages, we can create a skilling model tailored to India’s unique needs. Skilling should go beyond certificates and focus on equipping individuals with practical expertise to meet the dynamic demands of the industry and self-employment sectors. It is time to rethink our approach to skilling—rather than focusing solely on certifications, the goal should be to develop professionals with the actual skills needed to excel in the industry.
Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, stated that to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape, three key questions have emerged: How do we develop a digitally proficient workforce equipped to navigate an increasingly tech-driven job market? What strategies can we employ to build a truly inclusive workforce, where diversity is valued, and everyone is given equal opportunities? Additionally, as industries prioritize environmental sustainability, how can we integrate eco-friendly practices and values into our workforce culture?
"A skilled and adaptable workforce is crucial for attracting investments in key sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and green jobs. Strengthening labor-intensive industries ensures equitable opportunities for diverse demographics, including those with limited access to advanced education," she emphasized.