Page 51 - Shelter, October 2024

POLICY REVIEW
UNLOCKING THE FULL POTENTIAL OF
URBANISATION: WHY SKILL DEVELOPMENT HOLDS
OJASVI GOYAL
Consultant (Grade-1)
National Council for Vocational
Education and Training, Ministry of
Skill Development & Entrepreneurship,
Government of India
Ojasvi.ncvet@gmail.com or
ojas09goyal@gmail.com
THE KEY?
India’s urban landscape is gains momentum and cities
transforming exponentially, continue to expand, the associated
driven by a blend of rapid challenges of urbanisation
urbanisation, technological such as unemployment,
advancements, economic underemployment, social
expansion, environmental segregation, inequality, and
concerns, and social change. limited access to infrastructure
This transformation paints a can be strategically addressed
compelling vision for the future by equipping the youth with the
of urban living thereby shaping right set of skills at the right point
cities into engines of economic of time.
development and growth. One
of the distinguished features of To meet the needs of future
India’s urban transformation story cities, it is essential to identify
is the favourable demographic shift and cultivate the skills that will
that the country is experiencing. drive this new urban paradigm.
According to the estimates given The article explores the critical
by Vision@2047 Report- “India’s role of future and emerging
population is expected to surge to skills in unlocking the potential
1.7 billion in 2047 with close to of urbanisation and smart cities.
51% of the individuals residing in Through a comprehensive review
urban areas.” Another optimistic of literature and expert insights,
estimate relates to India’s the paper chalks out the key
demographic dividend which skills areas that will be essential
will peak around 2041, when the for thriving in future cities. The
share of working-age population, article asserts that investing in
(i.e. 20-59 years) is expected future skills development is crucial
to hit 59 per cent. Coupling for building resilient, adaptable,
both the estimates together and inclusive urban communities.
underscores the importance This article provides a framework
of capacity building and skill for policymakers, educators, and
development amongst youth as industry leaders to collaborate
a critical piece in solving the
jigsaw puzzle of shaping a better in developing the human capital
urban future. As urbanisation necessary to power the cities of
tomorrow.
October, 2024, Volume 25. No.1 - SHELTER 49