Challenges for Inclusive Growth: Careless and Useless Manpower

1. Inefficient Utilization of Manpower: In India, a significant portion of the workforce is engaged in low-productivity sectors. This includes underemployed individuals in agriculture and informal sectors where their skills are not fully utilized. For instance, the agricultural sector employs over 50% of the workforce but contributes only about 18% to the GDP, indicating low productivity and inefficient use of manpower.

2. Skills Mismatch and Lack of Education: Many workers possess inadequate skills for the modern job market. The skill gap is prevalent, with a large segment of the labor force lacking technical and vocational training. For example, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) reports that many graduates are not industry-ready, leading to a high rate of unemployment among educated youth.

3. Informal Sector and Job Security: A large part of the workforce operates in the informal sector, which often lacks job security and benefits. Workers in this sector face issues like low wages, unsafe working conditions, and no social security. Recent reports show that approximately 90% of India’s workforce is employed in the informal sector, making them vulnerable.

Measures to Address These Challenges:

1. Skill Development and Education: Enhancing vocational training and skill development programs is essential. Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) aim to improve employability by providing industry-relevant training. Increasing investment in education and training can bridge the skills gap and prepare the workforce for the evolving job market.

2. Promoting Formal Employment: Encouraging formalization of the informal sector through policies that provide social security and job benefits can improve job quality. Schemes like Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees State Insurance (ESI) need to be extended and enforced more rigorously.

3. Enhancing Productivity: Investing in technology and infrastructure to boost productivity in sectors like agriculture can help in better utilization of manpower. Programs like Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) focus on improving agricultural productivity through better irrigation and technology.

4. Encouraging Entrepreneurship: Supporting entrepreneurship through initiatives like Startup India can create new job opportunities and reduce dependency on traditional sectors. Providing financial incentives and mentorship can encourage young entrepreneurs to venture into new industries.

Conclusion: Addressing the challenges of careless and useless manpower involves improving skills, promoting formal employment, enhancing productivity, and supporting entrepreneurship. By implementing these measures, India can move towards more inclusive growth and effectively utilize its manpower for economic development.