– By Rupa Bohra
The digital age has fundamentally reshaped the way we live and work. In the past, a reputable degree sufficed for employment, but today, specific digital skills such as data analysis, digital marketing, coding, cybersecurity, etc. are in high demand. The India’s Graduate Skill Index: 2023 report reveals a promising employability rate of 48% among Indian graduates in AI and ML roles. However, lurking beneath this optimism is a sobering reality: a skill crisis, primarily among undergraduates, for foundational skills like data analysis and data entry.
Education is key, not just for acquiring skills but for effectively applying them in the evolving industrial landscape. India, the world’s fastest-growing economy with a digital focus, must prepare 30 million digitally skilled individuals and re-skill 50% of its current workforce. This transformation can position India as a formidable contender among advanced nations, potentially adding $570 billion to its economy by 2030.
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To unlock this potential, embracing digital skills fully is imperative. The journey to redefining India’s job market should begin with acknowledging the value of these skills, its challenges, and the opportunities it presents.
Unlocking India’s Job Market with Digital Skills
The traditional job market in India has evolved significantly, largely influenced by the widespread adoption of technology. The demand for digital skills has soared across various sectors, including IT, healthcare, finance, and education. Professionals equipped with digital marketing expertise can boost online sales through social media, SEO, and content marketing. Additionally, coding skills in languages like Python and JavaScript are essential for web and app development, which are booming industries in the current digital era.
As our digital world expands, there is a rise in cyber threats, and to tackle them, we need cybersecurity experts to safeguard sensitive information and digital infrastructure. These digital jobs and businesses received a boost during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it disrupted a shift towards remote work, embracing flexible work arrangements and accelerating digital skill adoption. Notably, the digital industry recorded a 10% growth in 2015-16, with a 7% compound annual growth rate until 2020-21, indicating significant opportunities in all industries. Digital skills have become a must-have, like having a secret treasure that opens doors to various job opportunities in the evolving job market.
The Course of Upskilling and Reskilling
In today’s rapidly evolving industries, upskilling and reskilling are vital. Upskilling enhances existing digital skills, while reskilling means acquiring entirely new competencies. These practices empower individuals and organizations to adapt to changing demands in our technology-driven world, covering a range of skills.
Some success stories in India exemplify the power of these strategies, like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which launched a massive upskilling program to keep its workforce relevant in the tech landscape. Coursera partnered with the Government of India to provide free online courses during the pandemic, enabling millions to upskill from home.
Closing the Digital Divide: India’s Progress
In India, the demand for digital skills is high, but the digital divide remains a significant challenge. Many in rural and economically disadvantaged areas lack access to the internet and digital devices. According to the India Inequality Report 2022, approximately 70% of the population has poor to no connectivity to digital services. Among the poorest 20% of households, only 2.7% have access to a computer and 8.9% to internet facilities.
Not only is accessibility an issue, but digital literacy and guidance on using digital devices and processes are also essential. Take, for instance, the UPI online payment method, considered simple and convenient. While many may have access to smartphones, not everyone is digitally educated to use them, which can lead to misunderstandings and fraud. Only 38% of households in the country are digitally literate, with a significant gap between urban and rural populations.
The Government of India has taken significant steps to address this gap. Initiatives like Digital India and the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) aim to transform India into a digitally empowered society. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) provides vocational training to enhance employability, while telecom companies play a vital role in expanding internet access to remote areas.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have played a pivotal role in bridging the digital skills gap in India.The Campus to Corporate Careers Program, an initiative of a leading NGO, is a transformative effort designed to empower under-resourced college-going youth, equipping them with advanced technical, digital, and industrial skills for success in the formal workforce, playing a significant role in bridging the formidable skill divide prevalent in the market. Such programs not only enhance their job readiness but also provide essential career counseling and a guarantee to enter high-potential corporate careers. By offering diversified learning pathways, including Campus to Digital Careers (C2DC), Campus to Technical Careers (C2TC), and Campus to Industrial Careers (C2IC), it opens doors to a brighter future, breaking the cycle of poverty and positively impacting the lives of students, their families, and the community.
Shaping a Skilled Workforce
The digital skills gap and the promotion of employability are global concerns. India’s job market has undergone a significant shift, with digital skills now serving as the new currency for employability. To navigate this evolving landscape, it’s crucial to address the digital divide, champion upskilling and reskilling, harness the combined efforts of NGOs and government initiatives, and recognize the pivotal role of digital skills in entrepreneurship.
Taking a global perspective, the wave of digital transformation knows no borders. Embracing this change is not just advantageous but imperative for both individuals and nations to maintain their competitive edge and flourish in the digital age. Lifelong learning and acquiring digital skills are fundamental in navigating this digital era successfully.
(Rupa Bohra is the managing director at TNS India Foundation.)
(Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.)
