Dr Jagroop Singh, Principal of Mehr Chand Polytechnic College in Jalandhar, has called on young people to shift their focus from seeking jobs to creating them, citing limited employment opportunities. He highlighted vocational education as a practical solution to unemployment, enabling self-reliance and national development.
Vocational Education as a Path to Self-Reliance
Vocational education, also known as skill-based education, equips students with proficiency in specific crafts or technologies such as operating CNC machines, repairing air conditioners, preparing technical drawings, plumbing, or becoming an electrician or diesel mechanic. Dr Singh noted that while traditional education emphasized knowledge, today's world equally values practical skills, symbolized by the blessings of both Goddess Saraswati and Lord Vishwakarma.
He stressed that every individual possesses some talent or skill, which may remain hidden or underdeveloped. Students should choose a skill based on their interests, hobbies, and aptitude, regardless of their academic stream. The field of vocational education offers numerous courses and training programs for boys and girls, including differently-abled students, school dropouts, rural youth, and those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Popular Vocational Courses and Pathways
Popular vocational courses include computer hardware and software, electrician, draftsman, mobile repairing, arts and crafts, jewellery designing, automobile testing and repair, tool and die making, multimedia, photography, interior designing, beauty and wellness, fashion designing, cutting and tailoring, CAD-CAM, AI, robotics, tourism and hospitality, medical laboratory technology, and healthcare services. Hundreds of such courses are available through recognized institutions. Six-month or one-year training programs can lead to self-employment, jobs, or business startups.
Students with greater ambitions and financial resources can pursue further technical education. After the 10th standard, they can enroll in a two-year ITI program or a three-year diploma course to become technicians or Junior Engineers. Diploma programs in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Leather Technology, Chemical Engineering, and Pharmacy are particularly popular. Students who have passed the 12th standard in medical or non-medical streams can gain direct admission to the second year of diploma programs through lateral entry, as can those who have completed vocational courses or ITI training.
Skill India Mission and Government Initiatives
Dr Singh noted that India is a young nation, with nearly 65% of its population below the age of 35. However, many young people aspire to settle abroad. To prevent brain drain, he emphasized the need to provide employment opportunities and equip youth with industry-relevant skills. With this vision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Skill India Mission on July 15, 2015, aiming to create a large workforce of technically skilled and industry-ready professionals. The Prime Minister's Skill Development Scheme, the National Skill Development Mission, and the Skill Loan Scheme provide training and financial support to aspiring learners.
Under these initiatives, skill fairs are organized, trainees receive stipends, and training institutions are encouraged to ensure employment opportunities for students after course completion. While much work remains, these efforts represent a positive step toward reducing unemployment and strengthening the workforce.
Startup India and Entrepreneurship
An important extension of Skill India is the Startup India initiative, launched on January 16, 2016. Its primary objective is to encourage entrepreneurship among young people and support innovative ideas, business ventures, and technological advancements. Dr Singh argued that if millions of skilled workers are to be employed, new industries, factories, and enterprises are needed, and young entrepreneurs can play a crucial role in creating these opportunities.
