Date: 04/05/2023

Relevance: GS-3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights, Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

Key Phrases: National Sample Survey, Multiple Indicator Survey and Labour Force Periodic Survey, artificial intelligence, computer-based technologies, programming skills, digital divide, Skill India Mission and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0.

Why in News?

• The data from the National Sample Survey: Multiple Indicator Survey and Labour Force Periodic Survey (2020-21) indicate a need to broaden the coverage of IT or computer-based training across various sectors.

Key points:

• The World Economic Forum predicts that while 85 million jobs will become obsolete by 2025, technological advancements in artificial intelligence and other fields will lead to the creation of 97 million new jobs implying that the number of new jobs will surpass the number of jobs that will be lost.
• Countries that can produce a highly skilled workforce in computer-based technologies will have a competitive edge in the global economy. The jobs of the future are expected to rely more on data-driven and machine-powered processes.
• As the pace of technological change continues to accelerate and demand for such skills outstrips supply, it is time to educate everyone on computer-based skills.
• To adapt to the changing job market, it is crucial to restructure the entire skill development system. It is imperative to focus on upskilling the workforce with an eye on emerging technologies and the future of work.

Where does India stand on digital skills?

• The NSS 78th Round data (2020-21) indicate a clear need for skilling programmes, particularly in the area of computer and IT skills. For instance, less than 42 per cent of the country’s youth has a basic understanding of copying or moving files or using copy-and-paste tools on a computer.
• Additionally, only 10 per cent and 8.6 per cent of youth have knowledge of basic arithmetic formulae in a spreadsheet and creating an electronic presentation using presentation software, respectively.
• Moving to more complicated task, the data indicate that only 2.4 per cent of youth have programming skills.
• Moreover, the need for computer or IT skills goes beyond these basic abilities. Highly specialised areas like artificial intelligence and automation in manufacturing and production processes require significant training and experience.
• The recently conducted Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in 2021 provides insights into vocational and technical training, highlighting a skilled workforce in various fields.
• The data indicate a disproportionate enrolment of youth in IT-ITeS vocational or technical courses, with a significantly high percentage of 34.7 per cent, in comparison to other courses.

Factors that contribute to the lack of digital knowledge in youth in India:

1. Limited Access to Technology: Many young people in India do not have access to digital devices such as smartphones or computers, or have limited access. This can be due to economic factors, lack of infrastructure, or social barriers.
2. Language Barriers: India is a diverse country with multiple languages, and many digital resources are not available in regional languages. This can make it difficult for youth who are not proficient in English to access digital content.
3. Quality of Education: The education system in India does not always focus on digital skills, and many schools and colleges do not have the necessary infrastructure or trained faculty to teach digital skills.
   • For instance, approximately 30 per cent of the trained workforce in different fields have IT training, yet 29 per cent of individuals with such training are unemployed, pointing towards either inadequate training content or poor training quality that results in low employability.
4. Digital Divide: The digital divide between urban and rural areas is significant in India, and many youths in rural areas do not have access to digital resources or opportunities to develop digital skills.
5. Cultural Barriers: In some parts of India, there may be cultural barriers that discourage or limit access to digital technology, particularly for girls and women.
6. Lack of Awareness: Some youth may not be aware of the benefits of digital technology or how to use it effectively for learning, communication, or work.

What can be done to address the issue?

• Develop Digital Literacy Programs: The first step to improving the digital skills of the workforce is to provide digital literacy programs that teach the basics of using digital devices and accessing the internet. These programs can be delivered through community centres, libraries, or even online platforms.
  • In this regard the government has implemented several skilling programmes, such as the Skill India Mission.
• Provide Access to Digital Devices and Connectivity: To learn digital skills, workers need access to digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, and internet connectivity. Government and private organizations can help by providing access to these resources at affordable rates.
• Offer Skill-based Training: Many workers may not have the required skills to work with digital tools or technologies. Providing skill-based training programs can help them develop the necessary skills to work in a digital environment.
  • For instance, Skill India Mission and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 aim to train and certify millions of individuals in various vocational skills, including IT and digital skills, with a focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, mechatronics and robotics.
• Collaborate with Employers: Employers can play a crucial role in improving the digital skills of their employees. They can collaborate with training organizations to provide their employees with training opportunities, or they can develop in-house training programs.
• Encourage Lifelong Learning: The digital landscape is constantly changing, and workers need to keep up with new technologies and tools. Encouraging workers to engage in lifelong learning can help them stay updated with the latest developments in the digital world.
• Mandatory IT training for all: To remain competitive in the global market, it has become increasingly important for individuals from all sectors to possess specialised IT or computer skills.

Conclusion:

• As digital transformation impacts all sectors, it is imperative that a large section of the workforce undergoes significant skilling, upskilling, or reskilling to compete in the digital economy.

Source: The Hindu BL

Mains Question

Q. To adapt to the changing job market, it is crucial to restructure the entire skill development system in digital technology. Discuss (150 words).