SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA : CHALLENGES,OPPORTUNITIES, AND THE ROAD TO A SKILLEDWORKFORCE – A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION

Despite having one of the world's largest youth populations, India faces significant challenges in developing a qualified workforce. This qualitative study examines the changing environment of skill development in India through the prism of the Skill India Mission and other related initiatives. Using thematic analysis of policy papers, government reports, industry feedback, academic literature, and stakeholder narratives, the article identifies recurring structural mismatches, quality problems, and implementation gaps. At the same time, it emphasizes new prospects in green technology, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and public-private collaborations. The study emphasizes the need for a transition away from volume-driven training and toward outcome-oriented, industry-aligned, and inclusive skilling ecosystems. Policy recommendations stress increased industry collaboration, quality assurance procedures, lifelong learning frameworks, and equitable access for excluded populations. The findings add to the conversation of using India's human capital for sustainable and inclusive economic growth toward Viksit Bharat by 2047.