Skill development is foundation of self-reliant India: PM Modi

The Prime Minister, while addressing the World Youth Skills Day Program virtually, stressed on giving impetus to the Skill India mission anew by adding full strength to the new institutions that were formed in the last six years.

He underlined the importance of skills in the Indian culture and highlighted the link between the importance given to skill development and ‘up-skilling’ and progress of society.

"Today it is important that learning does not stop with your earning. Only a skilled person will grow in today's world. This is applicable to both people and countries," Modi said.

Citing traditions of celebrating festivals like Vijayadashmi, Akshya Tritiya and Vishvakarma Puja where skills and the vocational implements are worshipped, the Prime Minister called for due regard for skilled professions like carpenters, potters, metal workers, sanitation workers, horticulture workers and weavers.

He also noted that due to long periods of slavery, importance of skills in the social and education system have got diluted.

Appreciating the step of global skill gap mapping, the Prime Minister exhorted the stakeholders to continuously Skill, Re-skill and up-skill saying, "This needs to be expedited as there is going to be a huge demand for re-skilling due to fast changing technology."

Notably, more than 1.25 crore young persons have been trained under ‘Pradhanmantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna’ -- a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) implemented by National Skill Development Corporation. Mr Modi also noted that the skilled workforce has helped the country in fighting an effective battle against the pandemic novel coronavirus.