An ecosystem where higher skills are recognised with higher wages is needed: S Ramadorai

Look at unconventional career choices also, the TCS chairman told students

The industry in the country should look at creating an ecosystem in which the skilled workers are valued and the blue collared workers should be recognised with higher wages for higher skills, which would help it to reap benefits in a long term, said S Ramadorai, vice chairman, Tata Consultancy Services and chairman of National Skill Development Agency. He said that the success of the IT industry is an example for creating an early ecosystem.

Speaking to the students in the annual convocation of Great Lakes Institute of Management, he said, "I have been in Skills development for the past few years and I find that the industry does not value a skilled worker who is the foundation of any business especially manufacturing. 70% of the employees in a hotel or a typical factory are blue collared workers, their contribution must be recognised with higher wages for higher skills."

"We must insist on certified skilled people and help our vendors train and certify their workers. This should be looked both as a service and an investment into our ecosystem from which we will reap benefits in the long term. The IT Industry's success is not a matter of luck or chance but due to these early investments in the ecosystem," he added.

He asked the students to look at the unconventional career choices while looking at shaping their future, by taking out an example from a venture the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is supporting.

As part of the NSDC's mandate to support the skill ecosystem, it has identified the skill of artisans from weavers to traditional jewellers, as a skill that needs to be preserved. The NSDC has invested in Caravan, a new venture that attempts to bridge the gap between the rich reservoir of traditional Indian craftsmanship, and the evolving needs of contemporary living. The initial response has been very good so the model will also revive a diverse and glorious artistic heritage and protect the livelihood of artisans. Such examples are an indication of a growing trend of creation of business in unconventional areas, he said.

"The internet is redefining the traditional entrepreneurship models, global market access and management talent can come together quickly, like minded people with a good idea are coming together to start a new venture creating new age millionaires. I sincerely hope that some of you would opt for more unconventional career choices," he said.

How the funding is done for new companies is redefined by the internet and the online sites like Kickstarter.com, and even the Government of India is seized by the idea as seen in the recent budget announcement of a Rs 10,000 crore allocation for a 'start-up fund'.