The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is strengthening its representation for the 45th WorldSkills Competition at Kazan, Russia in 2019 with a preview—IndiaSkills 2018. This will see over 400 participants from 27 states compete in around 60 categories
The IndiaSkills National Competition 2018, the biggest skill competition of the country, kicked off in New Delhi on Tuesday. The five-day event which is being hosted from October 2 to 6 is being organised by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The competition has brought together over 70 corporates and academic institutes, along with 22 state governments to realise the vision of establishing India as the skill capital of the world. The event will witness over 400 participants from across 27 states and union territories showcasing their talent and competing in 45 skills, 10 traditional skills and four demo skills.
The competition was inaugurated by Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The minister said, “I welcome all those who have made their mark at the regional levels and have reached the national stage. It is the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to make India the skill capital of the world and the IndiaSkills Competition is another initiative towards realising this. The participation of divyangs (Abilympians) is also a wonderful addition to this event. The perception of skill is changing, making it more aspirational. The landscape of skills is undergoing transformation and we are seeing the addition of more, new-age skills. Innovation and technology are going to play a major role in shaping the future of jobs and Skill India has taken several initiatives to train our youth in the emerging areas.”
The event will for the first time, see Abilympics—the ‘Olympics of Abilities’ for persons with disabilities (PwDs). As many as 60 participants will compete across 10 skill competitions in the Abilympics and the winners will be felicitated at the closing ceremony on October 6. These winners will then undergo the best-in-class industry training for the WorldSkills International Competition in Kazan, Russia in August 2019.
Commenting on the importance of such a completion, Dr K P Krishnan, the Secretary, MSDE, said, “We have improved our performance at WorldSkills over the years and are at the 19th position today. The IndiaSkills 2018 promotes the aspirational value of acquiring skills. The government has been offering assistance to states and we have organised over 150 workshops to improve participation in these competitions. The difference can be seen in the number of entries that has doubled this year. A platform like IndiaSkills inculcates a strong sense of pride in the youth and goes a long way in taking us closer to the vision of a new India.” With one Silver, one Bronze and nine Medallions of Excellence won by the country, India ranked 19th among 56 countries at the WorldSkills 2017 in Abu Dhabi. More than 1,300 competitors competed in 51 skills at this event.
In order to select the best talent to represent at IndiaSkills 2018, the MSDE and NSDC have competed at more than 500 district and state level and over 40 regional competitions in 46 skills including 3D game art, aircraft maintenance, autobody repair, bakery, beauty therapy and bricklaying to name a few.
Apart from the skill competition, the event is also hosting several engaging initiatives such as career counseling, a skill exhibition and try-a-skill event among others for the youth. Several other events such as the State Minister’s Conference, a Skill Conclave, and an Industry Round Table will also be organised on the sidelines of the IndiaSkills Competition.
