Kumar Bahukhandi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi File Photo
PM pushes for future-ready skills
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday stressed the need to generate employment for the country’s youth and said India is steadily moving towards an innovation-driven economy. He called for stronger alignment between the education system and the needs of the real-world economy.
He also said India must focus on emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, automation, the digital economy and design-driven manufacturing to sustain long-term growth.
“We have to accelerate the process of linking our education system with the real-world economy. Future-ready skills will be critical for India’s workforce. Access to opportunities must also be ensured for women as the country prepares for emerging technologies. As we move towards futuristic technologies, it is crucial that no daughter is held back due to lack of opportunities,” he said while addressing a post-Budget webinar titled ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas – Fulfilling Aspirations of People’.
According to the government, the webinar aims to bring together policymakers, industry experts, education leaders, start-ups and students to explore ways to strengthen India’s education system, skill development and creative economy. Modi said greater focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) would be essential to build a strong innovation ecosystem.
Encouraging greater participation of women, Modi said their involvement in education and research must increase. “The nation must continue efforts to empower women and expand opportunities in academic and scientific fields. Institutions must foster innovation and inquiry among young scholars. Talent should be identified and nurtured even in remote towns and villages,” he said.
Modi also highlighted the importance of creative sectors such as animation, visual effects, gaming and comics (AVGC), stating that the government is supporting these industries as part of efforts to strengthen India’s digital economy.
“I urge institutions to develop campuses as centres of industry collaboration and research-driven learning. This will provide students with real-world exposure and strengthen the skill ecosystem,” he added.
