Thursday, July 24, 2025

INDIA has championed providing unskilled employment when skills base is low.....

India has significantly relied on agriculture and construction to provide unskilled employment opportunities. These sectors, characterized by their labor-intensive nature, have historically absorbed a large portion of the country's workforce, particularly those with limited formal education or skills. However, challenges remain in terms of productivity, worker welfare, and transitioning to a more skilled workforce.

Agriculture:

Large Workforce Absorption:

Agriculture is a major employer in India, with a substantial portion of the rural population dependent on it for their livelihoods.

Labor-Intensive Practices:

Many agricultural activities, such as planting, weeding, harvesting, and livestock management, are traditionally carried out manually, creating numerous unskilled jobs.

Seasonal Nature:

Agricultural employment is often seasonal, leading to periods of underemployment or unemployment for many workers.

Low Productivity and Wages:

Agricultural productivity and wages tend to be lower compared to other sectors, impacting the overall economic well-being of agricultural workers.

Government Initiatives:

Government programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) aim to provide social security and employment opportunities in rural areas, including agriculture.

Construction:

Infrastructure Development:

India's rapid infrastructure development, including roads, buildings, and other construction projects, has created a significant demand for unskilled labor.

Manual Labor:

Many construction activities, such as site preparation, bricklaying, and material handling, rely heavily on manual labor.

Informal Sector:

A large proportion of construction workers are employed in the informal sector, often with limited job security, social security benefits, and safe working conditions.

Skill Gaps:

Despite the high demand for construction workers, there is a recognized need for skilled workers in various trades, including masonry, plumbing, and electrical work.

Government Initiatives:

Schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) aim to provide vocational training to construction workers to enhance their skills and employability.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Productivity and Efficiency:

Enhancing productivity and efficiency in both agriculture and construction is crucial for improving the economic outcomes of workers in these sectors.

Skill Development:

Investing in skill development programs for workers in both sectors is essential to create a more skilled and adaptable workforce.

Formalization of Employment:

Efforts to formalize employment in the informal sector, including construction, can improve worker welfare and provide access to social security benefits.

Transition to Higher Value Activities:

Encouraging a shift towards higher value-added agricultural products and construction activities can lead to better wages and economic opportunities for workers.

Social Security and Welfare:

Strengthening social security measures, including pensions, health care, and other benefits, is vital for improving the overall well-being of unskilled workers.

While India has effectively utilized agriculture and construction to provide unskilled employment opportunities, there is a need to address challenges related to productivity, skill development, and worker welfare to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth in these sectors.

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INDIA has championed providing unskilled employment when skills base is low.....

India has significantly relied on agriculture and construction to provide unskilled employment opportunities. These sectors, characterized b...