The Hindu Business Line : `Pvt sector must provide on-the-job training'

In light of the challenges to find skilled manpower suitable for the services sector, there will be a need for investments from the private sector in education and training, according to the CII Services Council. Chaired by Mr S. Ramadorai, CEO and MD, Tata Consultancy Services and represented by CEOs from several services verticals, the Services Council has recommended that the private sector initiate activities pertaining to training teachers, building and updating curriculums and setting up recruitment centres.

It felt that the private sector could focus on increasing employability by providing opportunities for on-the-job training. Further, the council was of the opinion that there was a need to establish more institutes and increase capacity through public-private partnership.

Taking into consideration that India would have a surplus manpower of 47 million by year 2020 against a global manpower shortage of 39 million, this would translate into a huge opportunity. While the absolute numbers showcase global opportunity, employability of the potential workforce remains a concern. The IT and the BPO sector are experiencing the shortage at present and there could be future shortage in upcoming sectors like tourism, retail, financial, construction and others. CII is of the view that the shortage fuels attrition rates, unprecedented salary increase and companies are being forced to resort to unethical practices of poaching manpower. This could erode India's competitiveness in the global market.

Despite India having 311 universities and 16,000 colleges, about three million graduate each year out of a 120 million young people in the age group of 17 to 22 years, higher education is accessible to one per cent of the graduates. CII recommends the need to further open up Foreign Direct Investment in the education systems and encourage more institutes.

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