Karnataka to turn its demographic strength into a demographic dividend through skilling, says CM

Karnataka currently stands at a unique demographic crossroads: over 60% of our population is below the age of 35, and nearly 1.2 crore young people will enter the workforce in the next decade, said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah while inaugurating the Bengaluru Skill Summit, the State’s maiden initiative to train and nurture its most previous asset, the human capital.

Addressing the audience here on Tuesday, he said, “This is an extraordinary opportunity if we equip this generation with the right skills, mindset, and confidence.’’

He said the Bengaluru Skill Summit, a new annual exposition created by the State to focus on skill development, reskilling and deskilling was more than an event.

“It is a movement to prepare our people for careers in a rapidly transforming world. This event is part of the commitment by the government to bring together the best minds from industry, academia, start-ups, and the youth to re-imagine the future of skills, jobs, and innovation,’’ the Chief Minister said.

The summit will showcase emerging funding models, technological enablers, and partnerships that will shape the next decade of skilling in Karnataka.

“This is how we will turn Karnataka’s demographic strength into a demographic dividend, and ensure that every youth becomes a builder of the new Karnataka,’’ he said.

In his inaugural address, he said, “the Buddha once compared the head to the seat of wisdom, the heart to the source of compassion, and the hands to the instrument of service. Only when the head, heart, and hand work together does a person become complete. This harmony of intellect, empathy, and ability is what true skill development must aim for.’’

Karnataka has always been at the forefront of skilling, and the State was among the first in India to create a dedicated Department for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood in 2016-17. He also clarified that it was (initiation of this event) not a bureaucratic move, it was a visionary step to unify all skill initiatives under one umbrella, with one mission, to make Karnataka Skills Gateway to the World. However, he said skill was not built in a day, it was built through patience, perseverance, and continuous practice.

Giving a snapshot on the State’s various initiatives towards skill development, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, through Chief Minister Kaushalya Karnataka Yojana (CMKKY), the target was to train 5 lakh youth, but the State exceeded that target.

Between 2013 and 18, the State started 100 new ITIs, upgraded 104 ITI buildings, and introduced 11,835 short-term and 19,500 long-term training programmes through Government Tool Room and Training Centers, he said.

Under Yuva Yuga, the State imparted advanced digital skills on over 1.10 lakh youth in IT, electronics, and animation sectors. Karnataka also conducted 16 mega job fairs, connecting over 52,000 youth to employment opportunities, and 75 Mini job melas.