India at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, Shanghai

Key Facts

• India’s Rank: 10th globally for the first time.

• Achievement: 6 silver medals and 20 Medallions for Excellence.

• Participation: 70 competitors across 63 skills.

• PM-SETU Scheme: ₹60,000 crore to upgrade 1,000 government ITIs into 200 hubs and 800 spokes.

Significance

• Promotes vocational education and dignity of labour.

• Enhances employability and industrial productivity.

• Strengthens industry–skill development partnerships.

Key Concept

• Capex: Investment in physical assets.

• Opex: Expenditure on operations.

• Skill-Ex: Investment in human skills and training.

Way Forward

Modernise ITIs, expand apprenticeships and align vocational training with industry needs.

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Practice Questions

Mains Question

Q. Discuss the role of skill development in harnessing India’s demographic dividend. (10 marks)