C.1. Issues relating to Development of Human Resources
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Skill gap |
One of the key challenges facing Human Resource Development (HRD) in India is the mismatch between the skills required by the job market and those actually possessed by the workforce. As highlighted in a report by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), only 2.3% of the Indian labor force has received formal skill training, despite a significantly higher demand for skilled workers. This skill gap poses a serious obstacle to the nation’s economic progress, emphasizing the urgent need for robust and inclusive skill development initiatives. |
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Lack of quality education |
Another critical issue is the quality of education. While India has made strides in expanding access to education, the learning outcomes continue to lag. According to the most recent National Achievement Survey (NAS) by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), merely 50% of Class VIII students are able to solve basic division problems. This points to systemic shortcomings in educational quality that must be addressed to improve foundational learning. |
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Brain drain |
India also faces the challenge of brain drain, where a substantial number of its highly skilled professionals migrate overseas in pursuit of better opportunities. As per the Ministry of External Affairs, approximately 1.5 million Indians live and work abroad. This ongoing loss of talent deprives the country of valuable human capital. Tackling this issue requires the creation of attractive job opportunities and the development of a supportive environment that encourages skilled professionals to build their careers within India. |
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Unemployment |
Unemployment is a major issue in HRD in India, particularly among the youth. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the unemployment rate in the country was 6.5% in December 2020. This indicates a need for job creation and training programs to help the country’s youth find employment. |
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Gender inequality |
Gender inequality is another issue in HRD in India. Despite the progress made in recent years, women in the country still face discrimination in terms of access to education and employment opportunities. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2021, India ranks 112th out of 156 countries in terms of gender equality. This indicates a need for policies and programs to promote gender equality and empower women in the country. |
In conclusion, HRD in India faces several issues that need to be addressed to ensure that the country’s workforce is equipped to meet the demands of the 21st century. These issues include the skill gap, lack of quality education, brain drain, unemployment, and gender inequality. Addressing these issues will require the implementation of effective policies and programs to improve the skills, knowledge, and competencies of the workforce in the country.