PM Modi says mantra to stay relevant in times of coronavirus is to skill, re-skill and upskill

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi says it is imperative to skill, reskill and upskill of workers including the youth to remain relevant in the rapidly changing competitive business environment and market conditions. Better skilling migrant workers would help change the local economy. He suggested that the Indian youth with a long maritime tradition can contribute as expert sailors to merchant navies across the world due to the growing demand in this sector.. He was addressing a virtual conclave on World Youth Skills Day organised by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on Wednesday, July 15. Skill is timeless, it keeps getting better with time and it makes people different from others. He said skills are not only a means to livelihood but also a reason to feel lively and energetic in our daily routine. The Prime Minister said, in a rapidly changing world, millions of skilled people are needed and there is a huge potential, especially in health services. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has started mapping the opportunities being created around the world, so that the youth of the country can get accurate information about the needs of other countries also. Referring to the portal launched recently for mapping the skilled employees and employers, he stated that it will help the skilled workers, including the migrant workers who have returned to their homes to access jobs easily and the employers to contact skilled employees at the click of a mouse. Prime Minister stated that the Skill India Mission launched five years back on the same day has led to the creation of a vast infrastructure for skilling, reskilling and upskilling and enhancing opportunities to access employment both locally and globally. It has led to hundreds of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras being set up across the country and an increase in the capacity of the ITI ecosystem. Due to these concerted efforts, more than five crore youth have been skilled in the last five years. The Prime Minister said the corona crisis has changed the nature of the job and the work culture. He said, changing technology has also influenced it.