Subject: Governance

India's human resource development (HRD) faces significant challenges despite being a demographic dividend nation. The inadequate attention to HRD is reflected in the fact that India's education spending remains below the National Education Policy 2020 target of 6% of GDP, even though the budget allocation increased to ₹1.28 trillion in 2025-26.

Key Challenges in Human Resource Development

Educational Infrastructure and Quality:

• Low Literacy Rates: Gender disparity exists with male literacy at 85% and female literacy at 70% in 2023.
• Skill-Education Mismatch: Only 45% of graduates are deemed employable in the IT sector for FY2023-24.
• Digital Divide: Inadequate access to technology and internet connectivity in rural areas hampers digital literacy.

Skill Development Issues:

• Technology Gap: Acute shortage of professionals in emerging technologies like AI, ML, and cybersecurity.
• Industry-Academia Gap: Lack of synchronization between educational curriculum and industry requirements.
• NASSCOM projects a 2 million skilled professional shortage by 2025.

Measures to Address HRD Inadequacy

Educational Reforms:

• Implementation of NEP 2020 focusing on vocational and technical courses integration.
• Strengthening STEM education through practical learning and industry exposure.
• Promoting digital literacy through initiatives like PM Digital India.

Skill Enhancement:

• Expanding Skill India Mission with focus on emerging technologies.
• Creating industry-linked training programs through National Skill Development Corporation.
• Establishing Centers of Excellence for specialized skill development.

Quality Assurance:

• Regular curriculum updates aligned with industry needs.
• Mandatory teacher training programs for capacity building.
• Implementation of outcome-based education systems.

Industry Integration:

• Promoting apprenticeship programs through National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme.
• Establishing industry-academia partnerships for practical training.
• Creating sector skill councils for industry-specific training.

The path to effective human resource development requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, industry, and academia. Successful implementation of programs like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and National Education Policy 2020 can transform India's human capital into a true demographic dividend.