NATIONAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP POLICY IN INDIA: PATHWAYS TO DECENT WORK, SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS, AND SKILL EMPLOYABILITY FOR THE VIKSIT BHARAT@ 2047 VISION

Skill development is essential for sustainable development, the promotion of employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship, particularly in vulnerable populations. Since the late 2000s, India has undertaken a major reform initiative to enhance its vocational education and training (VET) system, with the aim of improving the skills of 500 million people. The country introduced its first National Skills Development Strategy in 2009, established the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) in 2013, adopted the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), and launched a revised National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2015. It recognizes the importance of a robust framework for promoting skill development and entrepreneurship as key drivers of growth. The policy's vision is to "create an ecosystem of empowerment by scaling skills at speed and with high standards, while fostering a culture of innovation-based entrepreneurship that generates wealth and employment, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for all citizens of the country." The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has led several initiatives under the Skill India Mission to improve employability and skill development. Notable programs include the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), which offers short-term skill training, and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKK), aimed at standardizing quality training across India. Other programs, such as Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), focus on nonliterate and rural populations, while Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana fosters entrepreneurship. The launch of Skill India Digital (SID) leverages AI-driven tools to match jobs and promote continuous learning. These initiatives collectively work toward building a more skilled and employable workforce in India. Equipping youth with the right skills can shift their focus from being consumers to being creators of wealth and employment. Ultimately, creating employment opportunities can lead to reduced poverty and improved living standards.