IndiaSkills 2024: Celebrating the Power of Skilled Youth

The National Skill Extravaganza

The stage is set for IndiaSkills 2024, the country's biggest and most prestigious skill competition, which is all set to commence on 15th May 2024 in New Delhi. Organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), this four-day extravaganza will witness the participation of over 900 students from more than 30 states and Union Territories, along with over 400 industry experts.

The inauguration ceremony, scheduled to take place at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi, promises to be a grand affair, showcasing the diverse talents and skills of India's youth. This year's competition will feature a remarkable 61 skills, ranging from traditional crafts to cutting-edge technologies, providing a platform for participants to demonstrate their prowess on a national stage.

Celebrating Diversity and Innovation

One of the most exciting aspects of IndiaSkills 2024 is the sheer diversity of skills on display. While 47 skills competitions will be held onsite, 14 will be conducted offsite in Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, ensuring that participants have access to the best infrastructure and resources for their respective skills.

In addition to the competitive events, the competition will also feature nine exhibition skills, including Drone-Film making, Textile-Weaving, Leather-Shoemaking, and Prosthetics-Makeup. These exhibitions will not only showcase the breadth of talent but also highlight the innovative and creative spirit of India's skilled youth.

The participants in IndiaSkills 2024 represent a diverse range of institutions, including ITIs, NSTIs, Polytechnics, institutes of engineering, nursing, and biotechnology. This diversity is a testament to the international-standard training that Indian youth are receiving across the country's skill development network, preparing them to compete on the global stage.

Pathway to Global Recognition

For the winners of IndiaSkills 2024, the journey does not end with the national competition. With the help of the best industry trainers, these skilled individuals will have the opportunity to prepare for the WorldSkills Competition, scheduled to take place in Lyon, France, in September 2024. This prestigious global event will bring together 1,500 competitors from over 70 countries, providing a platform for India's skilled youth to showcase their talents and compete against the world's best.

Moreover, this year's IndiaSkills Competition has introduced a unique feature – the opportunity for participants to earn credits within the National Credit Framework. All skills showcased in both the WorldSkills and IndiaSkills Competitions are meticulously aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), empowering participants to creditize their learning outcomes and pave the way for a thriving career in their chosen fields.

Additionally, IndiaSkills 2024 has incorporated a competition information system called Qrencia, further enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the entire process.

Fostering Aspiration and Building a Skilled Workforce

The impact of IndiaSkills 2024 extends far beyond the competition itself. The rigorous selection process, which saw over 2.5 lakh candidates register on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) Portal, with 26,000 being shortlisted for state- and district-level competitions, has generated a spirit of competition and aspiration among the youth for skill development and vocational training.

By showcasing diverse opportunities and creating a competitive yet collaborative environment, IndiaSkills, with active participation from States/UTs, Industry, and Academia, lays a solid foundation for a skilled workforce that can drive national progress and innovation.

Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), emphasized the significance of IndiaSkills, stating, "The IndiaSkills Competition opens new avenues of opportunity for the skilled youth, empowering them to dream beyond conventional boundaries and showcase their skills on the global stage. It also celebrates the invaluable role of skills and craftsmanship in nation-building, while also symbolizing the intrinsic value of skill development in shaping the future of the nation amidst rapid technological advancements and dynamic global trends."

Conclusion:

IndiaSkills 2024 is a testament to the power of skilled youth and their ability to drive India's growth and progress. By providing a platform for showcasing diverse talents, fostering aspiration, and creating pathways to global recognition, this prestigious competition has become a catalyst for nurturing a skilled workforce that can propel the nation towards a brighter and more prosperous future. As the curtain rises on this skill extravaganza, the nation eagerly awaits the emergence of its real skill heroes – ambassadors of a 'New India' that is poised to leave an indelible mark on the global stage.