India's skilled workforce has long been recognized for its quality and competence. Now, the Indian government has drawn up a strategic plan to become a global hub for supplying a skilled workforce to international markets. This initiative is not only expected to create employment opportunities for millions of Indians but also to meet the increasing demand for skilled labor in several parts of the world.
Mapping the Global Demand for Skilled Labor
In order to address the global demand for skilled labor effectively, the Indian government has initiated a comprehensive mapping of workforce requirements across various countries. This mapping exercise has identified a demand for 3.7 million trained workers from India over the next five years.
The countries targeted for the supply of skilled Indian workers include prominent nations like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Japan, Sweden, and Finland. The Indian Skills Development Ministry is closely working with the External Affairs Ministry to ensure the inclusion of the skilling agenda in various migration and mobility bilateral agreements.
In addition to this, the Indian missions across these countries are actively engaged in advocacy and employer engagement to identify strategic partners for skilled workers.
The Role of Skill India International Centres (SIICs)
To ensure the success of this ambitious project, the government is setting up numerous Skill India International Centres (SIICs) across the country. These centres will offer comprehensive support for overseas mobility, including skilling courses, international certification, and pre-departure orientation training.
Additionally, these centres will also provide soft skills training and multi-cultural training to prepare the workforce for international markets. Candidates registering at SIICs will be issued a Skill India Passport, comprising digitally verified credentials. This passport will serve as a reliable source of information for employers, making the skills of Indian workers more portable and transparent.
Financing Skills Training for Overseas Markets
Recognizing the financial challenges associated with skills training for overseas markets, the Indian government has introduced innovative financing modules. These include the skill impact bond, skill loans, and high-end fee-based courses. The government will also handhold candidates in financing their skills training for overseas markets.
Strategic Partnerships for Enhanced International Mobility
The Skills Development Ministry is entering into strategic partnerships with states and state agencies to enhance international mobility. These partnerships aim to facilitate trade testing and certification through business-to-business partnerships with global agencies.
The National Skill Development Corporation International, under the aegis of the Skills Development Ministry, has already signed 23 business-to-business memorandums of understanding to facilitate training, assessment, and recruitment services with 11 countries.
Focus on Healthcare Sector
One area of particular focus for India's skilled workforce supply strategy is the healthcare sector. Amidst the global pandemic, there has been an increased demand for Indian nurses, paramedics, and other health workers. Recognizing this opportunity, the government is making concerted efforts to supply well-trained healthcare personnel to various countries.
Meeting the Challenges of Aging Populations
The aging population is a significant global challenge that is likely to increase the demand for health workers. With its skilled workforce, India is well-positioned to meet this demand. The government is undertaking extensive homework and job demand mapping to ensure that both India and the recipient countries can benefit.
Migrant-friendly Policies for Health Workers
While many countries are curbing migration, health workers are an exception to this trend. Countries like Australia and Luxembourg have more than 50 percent of foreign-born doctors, and Switzerland, Australia, and Israel have over 30 percent foreign-born nurses. This opens up significant opportunities for Indian healthcare workers to fill these gaps.
Addressing the Healthcare Gap at Home
While India is focusing on supplying skilled healthcare workers to global markets, it is also working towards addressing the healthcare gap at home. Despite having the world's highest number of medical colleges, India faces a shortage of doctors and nurses. The government is making substantial investments in health infrastructure, professional colleges, and technical education to enhance the capacity and quality of the health workforce.
Conclusion
India's strategic plan to become a global supplier of skilled workforce holds immense potential. By investing in skill development and creating strategic partnerships with international markets, India is leveraging its demographic dividend to address global labor demands. This initiative is not only a testament to India's vision to become the skills capital of the world but is also a significant step towards creating employment opportunities for millions of its citizens.