Prime Minister Modi’s counter to the opposition’s ‘caste census’ pitch places things in the right perspective. He has promised a “skill’s census” that will identify the specific requirements of job-seekers vis-à-vis their ability to perform the jobs they want. As such, with the data that becomes available, it will become possible for planners to shape policies accordingly. It will also help identify the gaps in the availability of skilled personnel in light of the needs of industry, services and other sectors. It would also be possible to discover the links between certain skill-sets and geographical areas, so that the pattern of utilisation becomes known. In other words, if there are certain types of workers needed in Tamil Nadu and these are plentiful in Bihar, the required connections can be made.
It has been seen that there are many technical courses that are no longer popular with students, particularly in the conventional sectors. As a result, seats in colleges are going empty and professors are becoming redundant, even having to take up home-delivery jobs to earn a living. This is obviously a transitional phase but having more complete information can allow those making the decisions to apply correctives in the supply-demand equation. After all, civil, mechanical, electrical and other traditional branches will always be required. It is only that the other, newer jobs such as in the IT sector and now, increasingly AI, are the great attractions. But for those who establish educational institutes or set up industries, data on the emerging trends is necessary as large investments are involved.
The data on the labour market will provide relevant information, rather than the knowledge of people’s caste identity, and prove significantly more useful. Availability of such data from diverse sources when put together can not only shape policy but also help save money that would be otherwise wasted. It will also become possible to upgrade technical education with management and entrepreneurial training so that the level of earnings can go beyond marginal levels.
The related government departments also need to improve their responses to such challenges. After all, certain data has always been available but correlating them to understand patterns and predict trends has not been done. It shows a lack of imagination and understanding of development philosophy, hindered undoubtedly by the socialist focus on distribution rather than wealth and resource generation. Hopefully, the new initiative will inspire the necessary changes.
