FICCI webinar on 'Re-imagining skill needs: Post-COVID-19

GUWAHATI: There is a great need for Public-Private Partnership in (PPP) skill development to improve the quality of skill training, said Kh Diana Devi, Mission Director, Manipur Society for Skill Development while speaking at a webinar organized by FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) on 'World Youth Skills Day'.

She further added "The quality of skill training being provided by many skill providers in the region is not at par with global standards, as a result they do not fulfil the aspirational needs of trainees". To improve the quality of skill training, the private sector must come forward to establish skill training facilities under suitable PPP models with the Government , she added. She also suggested that, internship programs may be included as part of regular curriculum in colleges so that students get an idea about the industry requirements in the job market. She also stressed the need to have role models and using the social media to create awareness and make skill aspirational.

Earlier during the webinar on Wednesday, Ashish Phookan, Chairman of FICCI Assam State Council, while delivering his address, underlined the need for a collective strategy to be adopted by industry & government to address the employment issues of migrant workers in the region. He also stressed upon the need for finding solutions to reach students and trainees in rural areas where internet connectivity is weak.

Dr. Sukamal Deb, Deputy CEO of KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission)-Northeast, highlighted support schemes and initiatives being undertaken by Government of India for skill development. He invited the industry to take advantage of the support available from KVIC.

Rajat Banerji, Mentor, FICCI Direct Selling committee & Vice-President of Corporate Affairs, Amway, highlighted the opportunities for skill development and employment that the direct selling industry can offer for micro-entrepreneurs. He added that, people working in the direct selling industry are trained on necessary skill over time to sustain in the sales & marketing sector.

Others who spoke at the webinar included Dr Pranjal Kr Phukan, Chief Manager of BCPL who spoke about the need for adopting artificial intelligence technology in the skill ecosystem; ASS Dewan, Associate Professor from Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship; Shiladitya Sarkar from NSDC; Supriti Chakraborty from the Directorate of Skill Development, Government of Tripura; Dr Oinam Ramesh, an eminent Public Health Nutritionist from Manipur; and N Dhiraj Singha from the Assam Skill Development Mission who spoke about the initiative being undertaken by the Government of Assam.

Also Watch: Bail for Akhil Gogoi in 3 Cases, 2 More Cases to Go