India will become the skill capital of the world

New Delhi: Highlighting the growing significance of skills, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the country will become the skill capital of the world.

Referring to the recently announced Union Budget 2024, the Prime Minister, in his 11th consecutive Independence Day speech from Red Fort, highlighted the landmark initiatives announced by the government to train India's youth to build the country as the skill capital of the world. He called for “enhanced focus on skill-building across all sectors, including agriculture and sanitation”, and informed of the more extensive Skill India Programme in the current Budget.

“This programme also emphasises internships to provide young people with practical experience and marketability,” PM Modi said, while also expressing a vision for India’s skilled manpower to play a prominent role in the global job market.

"India will become the skill capital. Indian universities should attain global prominence," the PM said.

The Prime minister also envisioned transforming India into a global manufacturing hub, leveraging its resources and skilled workforce. He noted that the “skilled youth” in the country will become “the first choice in the world."

In July, the Union Budget allocated Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, and skilling.