ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we explore the untapped potential of India’s demographic dividend and evaluate the existing skill development ecosystem designed to harness this advantage. With a significant proportion of the population in the working age group, India has a unique opportunity to position itself as a global leader in skilled labour.
But over the years, the implementation of the National Skill Policy 2015 largely focused on short-term skill training programmes, which have failed to deliver sustainable employment possibilities or meet the dynamic needs of global markets. The limitations of this approach point to the urgent need for a paradigm shift to a comprehensive skill-development framework that integrates global-standard skills into the higher education system.
It is obvious that achieving the vision of India as the ‘Skill Capital of the World’ requires moving beyond fragmented initiatives to a cohesive strategy that aligns education, skills, and industry needs. Going by the experience of the National Initiative for Skill Integrated Higher Education (NISHE), launched by the Centre for Research in Schemes and Policies (CRISP), we shall see how skill integration into higher education can bridge the gap between academic learning and employability.
NISHE’s innovative model offers valuable insights into creating an ecosystem that is inclusive, scalable, and attuned to market demands. A critical analysis of existing policies, challenges, and global best practices can give us actionable recommendations for reshaping skill development in India. A holistic and sustainable approach is the need of the hour. For it not only enhances individual employability but also contributes to economic growth and national development.
