In order to contend with other nations of the world in area of skill development, where countries like Japan have 98 per cent workforce trained in different trades, the US and the UK contribute 95 per cent and 70 per cent of total skilled human resources respectively, Jharkhand too targets to train as many as 20 lakh youths in different skills in five years.
Addressing the students, on the occasion of International Youth Day, Mission Director, Jharkhand Skill Development Mission, Ravi Ranjan, said, “Even half a number of students passing out from various colleges are not industry ready, this is due to the lack of skills which need to be developed among students. Through ‘Saksham Jharkhand Vikash Yojana’ and in association with other organisations within five years 20 lakh youths will be trained in various traits. Jharkhand is the only state in the country at present to run Domestic Help skill development course.”
Ranchi University organised a certificate distribution ceremony of National University Students Skill Development (NUSSD) in association with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. Approximately, 225 students of five colleges under RU were felicitated for successfully completing the Foundation Course. One year certificate course covered English Communication, Financial literacy, legal literacy, Youth leadership and People Skills, Digital literacy including Working with Communities.
Ranchi University is trying to expand the skill development programme across the State in assistance with TISS, said RU VC, Ramesh Kumar Pandey. “Skill development course which is being conducted free of cost will be expanded in the coming days. Secretary, Higher Education has been trying to merge all colleges and provide skill development training along with the regular studies,” added, Pandey.
Former IPS and resource person of TISS, PM Nair, added, “Only 15 per cent graduates studying across India are employable, skill development is the need of hour. Students need to develop self confidence and other vital soft skills to be industry ready. Notably, there are 700 Universities, 35 thousand aided colleges catering to the requirement of approximately 2 crore students in India.”
Students too feel that apart regular courses, an individual need to have knowledge of various other subjects too. Skill development course has inculcated knowledge of important streams like legal facets, digital literacy and enhanced communication skills, said, Diksha Sharma after receiving the certificate for successfully completing the Foundation Course. “I am preparing for civil services. Soft skills are pre requisites and will add value to my degree,” added Sharma, who is completing Bachelors degree in Zoology.