Pranab 'da' inspires youth towards skill development

New Delhi, Mar 30 (UNI) Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today talked about his vision of transforming India from a ''degree seeking'' system to a ''skill acquiring'' system and encouraged the country's youth to contribute largely towards attaining it rapidly.

''Skill development is a key factor for the economic and social growth of the country. Although many initiatives have been taken by the Government in this regard, they have to be multiplied for a rapid transformation,'' Mr Mukherjee said.

Referring to Prime Minister's Council on National Skill Development, the Finance Minister said it has a mission of creating 50 crore skilled people by 2022.

''A beginning has been made with approval of three projects by National Skill Development Corporation, a public and private sector partnership initiative to create 10 lakh skilled manpower at the rate of one lak per annum,'' he said.

Mr Mukherjee was speaking at the ninth annual convocation ceremony of Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard University here.

Calling it an exciting phase of India's growth story, he emphasised that issues, including strenghthened food security, improved educational opportunities and better health facilities, needed to be addressed and have to be brought forth at household
level, both in urban and rural areas.

''These issues require significant resources and we have to find those resources,'' Mr Mukherjee said.

The Union Minister further said quick revert to the high GDP growth path of nine per cent and then finding the means to cross the 'double digit growth barrier' have also to be taken care of.

In addition, weaknesses in government systems, structures and institutions at different levels of governance also needed attention.

''Our system of governance including economic governance must work towards economic empowerment and make growth human-specific,'' he said.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Founder-Chairman of Infosys Technologies N R Narayana Murthy and Chancellor of Jamia Hamdard Saiyid Hamid also graced the occasion with their presence.