The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this adequacy.

Q6. The crucial aspect of development process has been the inadequate attention paid to Human Resource Development in India. Suggest measures that can address this adequacy. (10m)

Introduction

Development process refers to the multi-faceted journey any country takes to achieve progress and growth across various sectors, including economic, social, Infrastructure aspects etc.

In the case of India, one significant feature of the development process has been insufficient focus on Human resource development which encompasses education, skill development, healthcare and overall nurturing of human capital.

Reasons for This Inadequacy

- Limited Investment: India’s investment in Education is 2.9% of GDP as against the target of 6%, similarly in healthcare – investment is 2.9% of total GDP

Lack of skilled workforce: National Policy on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship estimates that only 5.4 percent of the workforce in our country has undergone formal skill training.

Infrastructural limitations

Greater priority to agricultural sector during initial FYPs

Lack of Academia-Industry linkages-

Politically driven development process: Overemphasis on welfarist measures halted the investment in human capital particularly during the state-led development era from 1950’s to 1990’s.

Measures that can address this Inadequacy

Investment in Education – To reach the target of 6% of GDP as envisaged in the National education Policy

Increasing Skill development programmes to cater to Industry demands – Initiatives like Skill India programme can be expanded and made more targeted to cater to Industry demand.

Provide for Gender Inclusivity – Schemes similar to Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao program can be promoted which address gender disparities.

Accessible and Affordable Healthcare – Expanding schemes similar to Ayushman Bharat can provide accessible and affordable healthcare.

Innovative Policy reforms – Similar to the New Education Policy

Collaboration with civil society – for e.g. collaboration with NGO’s like Pratham to implement grassroot education programmes

Encourage Public Private partnership – National Skill development corporation collaborates with pvt companies to provide skill development. Such partnerships can be expanded.

International collaboration – Collaborate with International organisation like UNESCO to provide for global best practices.

Conclusion

Thus, addressing the inadequacy in human resource development, India must embark on a multifaceted journey through increased investment, tailored skill development, gender inclusivity, accessible healthcare, policy reforms, civil society collaboration, public-private partnerships, and international cooperation knowledgeable, and healthy population ready to contribute to the nation’s progress and prosperity.

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