Tracing India's Skill Evolution From Crops To Code

India's journey in workforce skill evolution since independence is a testament to its resilience and adaptability. At the time of independence in 1947, the country faced significant challenges, including widespread illiteracy, a largely agrarian economy, and limited industrialisation. However, over the decades, India has transformed its workforce through concerted efforts in education, technical training and policy reforms. The evolution of skills in India since independence reflects the country’s socio-economic transformation, technological advancements and shifting industrial needs.

The evolution of workforce skills in India has been a crucial driver of the country’s economic growth, reflecting its transition from an agrarian society to a global economic powerhouse. Post-independence, the country focused on building a skilled workforce to support industrialisation, with an emphasis on technical education and the establishment of institutions like the IITs. The Green Revolution in the 1970s further honed agricultural skills, significantly boosting productivity. The economic liberalisation of the 1990s marked a critical turning point, as demand for IT and management skills surged, propelling India into the global spotlight as a leader in the IT and BPO sectors.

In recent years, the rise of digital technologies, AI, and the start-up ecosystem has driven the need for advanced technical skills. Skill India mission launched by the Government of India aims to equip millions of Indians with industry-relevant skills across various sectors, aligning with current market demands. Alongside this, initiatives like Digital India and Make in India emphasise the importance of digital literacy and advanced manufacturing skills, driving economic growth and job creation. India's growing focus on digital literacy, data science, and artificial intelligence, supported by a strong foundation in engineering and technology, has bolstered its global reputation as a hub for innovation and technological expertise.

As India opened to global markets in the, the importance of soft skills became increasingly apparent. The rise of the service sector highlighted the need for effective communication, cultural sensitivity and customer service abilities. Educational institutions and corporate training programmes began integrating soft skills into their curriculum to better prepare the workforce for a globalised economy. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, driven by the demands of a rapidly changing job market. Additionally, with the increasing focus on leadership and entrepreneurship, skills like negotiation, conflict resolution, and decision-making have gained prominence. India’s workforce is now better equipped not only with technical expertise but also with the soft skills necessary to excel in a globalised and dynamic economy.

The mark of a progressive nation is reflected in the evolution of women in the workplace, and India's journey since independence is a testament to this progress. The evolution of women's skills in the workforce in India since independence has been marked by significant strides towards empowerment and inclusion. Initially, women’s participation in the workforce was limited, with most confined to traditional roles in agriculture, textiles, and household industries. However, post-independence, the Indian government and various social movements began advocating for women's education and skill development, recognising their critical role in nation-building. The introduction of policies focused on girl child education, vocational training and technical skills has gradually opened up new avenues for women in various sectors. The skill evolution of women in India is a powerful narrative of progress, resilience and the ongoing pursuit of gender equality.

As India continues to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving global economy, the demand for new and advanced skills in the workforce is becoming increasingly critical. The rising influence of AI and automation is driving the need for reskilling and upskilling in areas such as robotics, machine learning and advanced manufacturing. Simultaneously, the increasing focus on environmental sustainability is creating a growing demand for skills in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technology. Furthermore, with the expansion of the gig economy, entrepreneurial skills and digital literacy are becoming essential for those seeking to leverage new opportunities. To meet these demands, India's education and training systems are increasingly focused on fostering these skills, ensuring that the workforce is prepared to compete in a global marketplace and contribute to the country's long-term growth and development.

Upasana Raina

Guest Author The author is the Director- HR & MarCom at GI Group Holding, India