54 pc young population India's most valuable asset: HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal

Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' said on Wednesday that 54 per cent of India's young population was its most valuable asset and skill education forms the backbone of the development of any nation.

He was speaking at the inauguration of 'Manthan -- Impeccable Academia' here, which was organised by Media and Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

Filmmaker and MESC chairman Subhash Ghai, who also addressed the gathering, said the film industry employs 72 types of vocational skill workers.

He said that the HRD and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ministries have "brought us on a platform to meet the changing needs of the media and entertainment industry."

According to an official release, the minister congratulated MESC and said it was promoting 'Guru-Shishya' culture through Vidyadaan.

It said that 'Manthan' is focused on the opportunities available in the media and entertainment industry.

The release said that the ministry along with the MESC has developed specialised employment-oriented courses such as BSc (Animation and VFX), BSc (Performing Arts) and BSc (Film Making).

The universities are empowered to take up these courses through their colleges and autonomous colleges.