With advanced technologies like AI, data analytics, and automation, India’s manufacturing sector will undergo a massive transformation. Dilip Sawhney, from Rockwell Automation, stressed that this will play a critical role in India becoming a $7.5 trillion economy.
India stands at a transformative juncture in its development, where its vast pool of young and dynamic talent holds the key to addressing the global workforce shortages. The Conference on Future of Jobs held on January 15, 2025, in New Delhi, highlighted India’s significant potential to become a global leader in skill development and workforce readiness. Organized by the Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the conference showcased how India can leverage its demographic advantage to meet the demands of the global economy.
India’s Emerging Role in a Globalized Workforce
The conference’s theme, Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce: Driving Growth in a Dynamic World, aptly reflects India’s emerging role in addressing global workforce challenges. Hon’ble Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized that skill development must be at the core of India’s strategy to bridge global workforce gaps. With a rapidly growing population and an increasing demand for skilled workers across various sectors, India is poised to become a global talent hub.
India’s potential lies not just in the numbers but also in its capacity to innovate and adapt. The Minister highlighted initiatives such as the Mutual Recognition of Skills and Standards, which will allow India’s workforce to align with global requirements. These initiatives ensure that individuals are not just trained, but equipped with the skills necessary for the modern job market, contributing to both domestic and global workforce needs.
A Comprehensive Approach to Skilling
India’s skilling strategy is evolving from traditional certification-based models to a more holistic, practical skill-building approach. Smt. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, MoLE, pointed out that to thrive in the future job market, three critical questions must be addressed: How can we develop a digitally proficient workforce? What strategies will ensure inclusivity and diversity in employment? And how do we align skill development with sustainability?
By focusing on practical expertise, India can ensure that its workforce is adaptable to the dynamic demands of industries like healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and green jobs. The goal is not just to certify but to empower individuals with the competencies that drive productivity and innovation in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
The Future of Jobs Conference provided valuable insights into key sectors that are poised to significantly shape India’s workforce and contribute to the realization of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. Let’s delve deeper into each of these sectors and explain how they will contribute to India’s growth, job creation, and long-term economic development.
1. Manufacturing Sector
Key Insights:
- Integration of Advanced Technologies: The manufacturing sector is undergoing a paradigm shift, with automation, AI, robotics, and data analytics revolutionizing production processes.
- Vinod Sharma emphasized the need for an integrated National Employment Policy to align government and industry initiatives in creating a skilled workforce. He also proposed a dedicated Task Force to identify the future needs of industries and solutions to address challenges, helping future-proof jobs and businesses.
- A skill-based career progression model was advocated to focus on practical training in emerging technologies, ensuring that the workforce remains adaptable as the industry evolves.
Benefits to Viksit Bharat:
- Industrial Growth: By incorporating cutting-edge technologies, India can transform its manufacturing sector into a globally competitive hub.
- Job Creation: The shift to more advanced, tech-driven manufacturing will create a demand for skilled labor in fields like robotics, AI, and analytics. This creates jobs in both the tech industry and manufacturing-related sectors.
- Boost to Innovation: With a focus on skill development, India’s workforce will be better equipped to drive innovation in manufacturing, contributing to economic diversification and self-reliance.
2. Green Jobs and Renewable Energy
Key Insights:
- Renewable Energy Growth: India aims to be a global leader in renewable energy, with the potential to generate millions of jobs by 2030. As the fourth-largest renewable energy employer globally, India is well-positioned to capitalize on this transition.
- Rajendra Mehta highlighted that green jobs will be pivotal in roles such as energy technology, sustainability consulting, carbon market expertise, and environmental science, which align with global efforts to address climate change.
Benefits to Viksit Bharat:
- Sustainability: Green jobs are a cornerstone of India’s sustainable development. As the country shifts to renewable energy sources, it will not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also create a green economy that promotes environmental stewardship.
- Job Creation: The renewable energy sector will generate significant employment opportunities, particularly in technology, consulting, and engineering, addressing both domestic and global demands for clean energy.
- Global Leadership: By establishing itself as a leader in the renewable energy space, India can attract international investments and strengthen its position in the global climate change and sustainability conversation.
3. Hospitality & Tourism
Key Insights:
- Post-Pandemic Recovery: The tourism sector in India is rebounding strongly, with states like Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala leading the way. Ajay Dutta of Indian Hotels Company emphasized that tourism is set to be a major job generator as the industry shifts towards wellness, spiritual, and rural tourism.
- Tourism is seen as a key contributor to India’s goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat, with the sector expected to generate millions of direct and indirect jobs by 2047.
Benefits to Viksit Bharat:
- Cultural Promotion: India’s tourism sector will help preserve and promote its rich cultural heritage, boosting cultural diplomacy and global soft power.
- Job Opportunities: As tourism grows, it will create jobs in areas such as hospitality, transportation, tourism management, and sustainable tourism.
- Economic Growth: Tourism is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and its growth will significantly contribute to economic diversification, especially in rural areas, providing new avenues for employment and infrastructure development.
4. Smart Manufacturing and Logistics
Key Insights:
- Smart Manufacturing: With advanced technologies like AI, data analytics, and automation, India’s manufacturing sector will undergo a massive transformation. Dilip Sawhney, from Rockwell Automation, stressed that this will play a critical role in India becoming a $7.5 trillion economy.
- Logistics: The logistics sector, driven by AI, automation, and real-time data, is set to see rapid growth. With e-commerce and manufacturing driving demand, logistics will become a backbone of India’s economic growth.
Benefits to Viksit Bharat:
- Global Manufacturing Hub: By adopting smart manufacturing technologies, India can achieve global competitiveness, become a hub for advanced manufacturing, and increase its share in the global market.
- Supply Chain Efficiency: The logistics sector will drive supply chain optimization, ensuring that goods can move faster and more efficiently across the country, supporting both domestic industries and global trade.
- Employment Generation: The integration of technology will create jobs not only in manufacturing but also in tech-related sectors like data analysis, AI, and automation, which will be crucial in boosting India’s overall employment rate.
5. Healthcare
Key Insights:
- Global Healthcare Demand: With a global shortage of 18 million healthcare workers by 2030, India’s healthcare sector is set to become a key player in addressing this gap. Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi of Fortis Healthcare emphasized the need for upskilling in digital health, medical tourism, and strengthening rural healthcare.
- India is poised to become a global hub for medical tourism and digital health services, creating significant job opportunities in healthcare and allied sectors.
Benefits to Viksit Bharat:
- Improved Health Infrastructure: With an increased focus on healthcare and medical tourism, India will improve its healthcare delivery systems while creating a competitive advantage in the global medical tourism market.
- Job Creation: The sector will generate millions of jobs in both clinical and non-clinical roles, particularly in digital health, telemedicine, and healthcare management.
- Global Recognition: India can position itself as a global healthcare leader, attracting international patients and investments while addressing domestic healthcare needs, especially in rural areas.
Key Takeaways for a Future-Ready Workforce
The Future-Ready Workforce discussions at the conference highlighted several key takeaways that are essential for ensuring India’s workforce is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. These actionable recommendations are crucial in building a dynamic, resilient workforce that can contribute to India’s journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat. Let’s explore each takeaway in more detail and how they contribute to India’s long-term growth and employment goals.
1. Technological Upskilling
- Focus on Digital Literacy: The rapid pace of technological advancements requires that India’s workforce is proficient in emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and renewable energy technologies.
- This upskilling will enable individuals to adapt to new job roles and industries that are increasingly driven by digital tools and tech solutions.
Benefits to Viksit Bharat:
- Economic Growth: With AI, blockchain, and renewable energy technologies becoming integral to sectors like manufacturing, finance, and energy, a skilled workforce in these areas will help drive innovation and economic growth.
- Global Competitiveness: By upskilling the workforce in these cutting-edge technologies, India can enhance its global competitiveness in industries such as technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy, attracting international investments.
- Job Creation: As businesses embrace new technologies, there will be increased demand for tech professionals, software developers, and engineers, providing new career pathways.
2. Inclusivity and Sustainability
- Workforce Diversity: Promoting inclusivity and ensuring that all segments of society, including women, people with disabilities, and minority groups, have equal access to employment and growth opportunities.
- Sustainability: Integrating sustainability into workforce development programs to meet global standards for eco-friendly practices and ensure that industries contribute positively to environmental goals.
Benefits to Viksit Bharat:
- Social Harmony and Equity: By fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, India will create a more equitable society where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive. This supports the vision of a socially harmonious Viksit Bharat.
- Sustainable Development: Embedding sustainability into workforce development ensures that industries are not only economically successful but also environmentally responsible, aligning with global environmental goals.
- Global Standing: India’s focus on inclusivity and sustainability will improve its image as a progressive and responsible nation, attracting global talent, investment, and partnerships in sectors like green energy and sustainable manufacturing.
3. Public-Private Partnerships
- Collaboration Between Government and Private Sector: To ensure that skilling initiatives meet the needs of industry and society, it’s crucial for the government to collaborate with the private sector. These partnerships will help create comprehensive skilling programs that are aligned with current and future industry demands.
- Joint Initiatives: Public-private collaborations can help design training programs, set industry standards, and provide incentives for businesses to invest in workforce development.
Benefits to Viksit Bharat:
- Coordinated Growth: A close alignment between government initiatives and private sector needs will ensure that India’s workforce is always prepared to meet the demands of rapidly evolving industries.
- Sector-Specific Skills: Such partnerships can lead to the development of sector-specific training programs that can address the unique needs of industries like smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and logistics, ensuring that workers are equipped with the right skills.
- Job Creation: By investing in skilling programs through public-private collaboration, millions of new jobs will be created across diverse industries, fostering economic diversification and sustainability.
4. Emphasizing Short-Term Skill Courses
- Agility in Training: Short-term courses and apprenticeship programs offer a faster and more adaptable solution to meeting the immediate needs of the job market.
- These programs allow individuals to quickly gain the skills needed for specific roles, helping them transition smoothly into the workforce or upskill in their current roles.
Benefits to Viksit Bharat:
- Quick Adaptation to Market Needs: Short-term skill courses allow workers to stay relevant in an ever-changing job market. This ensures that the workforce can quickly adjust to shifting industry demands, such as those in green energy, technology, and manufacturing.
- Job Mobility: Individuals can easily switch industries or job roles as new opportunities arise. This increases job mobility and economic resilience, making it easier for the workforce to adapt to disruptions like automation or global economic shifts.
- Inclusive Workforce: Short-term courses make it easier for marginalized groups, including women, youth, and rural populations, to acquire relevant skills and participate in the growing economy. This aligns with India’s vision of an inclusive and self-reliant economy.
India’s Path to Viksit Bharat
As India works towards its vision of Viksit Bharat, the country’s workforce must be equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global economy. The Conference on Future of Jobs has reinforced the idea that skill development, technological innovation, and sector-specific training are key drivers of India’s growth trajectory. With a young, dynamic, and skilled workforce, India is not only poised to meet domestic demand but also play a crucial role in addressing global workforce shortages.
In this regard, India’s approach to skill development is not just about creating jobs; it is about creating a future-ready workforce that can contribute to the global economy, fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability. By building strong industry-academia linkages, embracing digital transformation, and prioritizing inclusivity, India is on the path to becoming a global leader in workforce development, and ultimately, a Viksit Bharat.
