Addressing India’s skills challenges

New Delhi (ILO News): The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, in collaboration with Korea University of Technology and Education, will host a National Consultation on Development of Training Policy in India during 20-21 February 2008 at Taj Mahal Hotel, Man Singh Road, New Delhi at 0930 hrs.

Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission will deliver the inaugural address. Mr. Oscar Fernandes, Hon’ble Minister of Labour and Employment will participate. Ms. S. Yamamoto, ILO Regional Director for Asia and Pacific will also address the inaugural session.

The sense of urgency over skills challenges have been continuously highlighted by the India’s Prime Minister and other stakeholders.

Recognising the importance of skills development, the Planning Commission set up task forces and working groups during the preparation of the 11th Five-Year Plan and the 11th Plan, with particular emphasis on inclusive growth, and has a specific chapter devoted to skills and training.

It is in this context that the development of a national training policy for India is proposed so as to coordinate various initiatives and enable and anchor the implementation of these initiatives and innovations.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment and the ILO have jointly initiated work on the preparation of a framework towards an employment policy for India, with training as one of the main components of the overall policy.

The ILO has been actively partnering with its Member States in the development of policy and system reform in skills development.

This national consultation is expected to be the initial step for laying out a roadmap towards developing a training policy in India.

For further information please contact:

Neelam Agnihotri
Tel. # 011 - 24602101 - 02 – 03; mobile 9810704633
Email neelam@ilodel.org.in