Relevance : Hunar se Rozgar Scheme, India Skills Report 2024 And Skill Development In India, and Higher Education & The Skill Requirements In The Job.
Since 2006, the Ministry of Tourism is implementing a relatively less-known scheme called ‘Hunar se Rozgar’ meaning skill to employment, primarily aimed at catching the school dropouts and training them for employment or self-employment.
Hunar se Rozgar Scheme: Bridging the Skill Gap in Tourism
The Hunar se Rozgar Scheme (Skills for Jobs Scheme) aims to address the challenge of youth unemployment in India’s tourism sector. This program offers a six- to eight-week free training program targeted at individuals between the ages of 18 and 28.
Strengths and Challenges
The scheme’s appeal lies in its clear objective of skilling the workforce and integrating the unorganized tourism sector into the formal economy.
However, it faces some hurdles:
Limited Budget: The program operates on a relatively small budget of ₹30 crore, potentially restricting its reach.
Bureaucratic Delays: Streamlining the application process through an online portal could improve efficiency and attract more institutions.
Limited Publicity: Enhanced Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities, particularly in regional languages, are crucial to raise awareness among potential beneficiaries.
Complexities for Institutions: Current guidelines and delayed payments (after training completion and job placement) might discourage some institutions from participating.
Opportunities and Threats
Hunar se Rozgar presents a significant opportunity to:
Empower Youth: Equip young people with the necessary skills to secure formal employment in the tourism industry.
Boost Tourism: A skilled workforce can enhance India’s tourism sector, a key driver of economic growth and foreign exchange earnings.
Promote Cultural Heritage: A well-trained workforce can effectively showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and contribute to its global image.
However, the tourism sector is vulnerable to external factors like:
Global Crises: Events like pandemics and regional conflicts can disrupt travel and tourism activities.
Safety Concerns: Ensuring the safety and security of tourist destinations is paramount for attracting visitors.
Infrastructure Gaps: Holistic development of tourist destinations, including improved transportation connectivity and living standards, is essential.
The Road Ahead
To maximize the scheme’s impact, the following steps are recommended:
Increased Awareness: Extensive publicity campaigns through various mediums, including online platforms and regional media, can attract more participants and institutions.
Budgetary Allocation: Increased funding can support broader program reach and potentially expand training duration or coverage.
Infrastructure Development: Collaboration with state governments and public-private partnerships can enhance tourism infrastructure, including improved connectivity through initiatives like Gati Shakti and increased air and bullet train services.
Conclusion :
By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on the existing opportunities, the Hunar se Rozgar Scheme can play a vital role in skilling India’s youth and propelling the growth of the tourism sector.
With a clear vision and targeted efforts, India can certainly position itself as a top global tourist destination by 2047.