Australian minister reiterates Modi's skill development vision

Australian Industry Minister, Ian Macfarlane who has come to India with 100-member skill delegation from the country, Monday reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's skill development vision.

He also lauded the Indian government for the focus on skill development with formation of the new ministry and the announcement of Rajeev Pratap Rudy as the minister for skill development.

Macfarlane is here in India for the 6th Global Summit on Skills Development orgainised by Confederation of Indian Industry where Australia is a partner country.

He stated that the visit of his delegation is a great opportunity for both the countries to collaborate and create a sustainable partnership on skills.

With the new government's focus on skill development leading to employment generation, Adi Godrej, past president of CII and chairman Godrej group, said it is an opportune time for discussing requirements and reform.

He said the globe is looking to India to capture the business opportunities being presented and it is the demographic dividend that will work in India's favour.

Godrej, however, said there is no dearth of jobs but a dearth of skills that the industry needs to focus.

There were 400 delegates that attended the summit, which had speakers from Germany, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Canada, Japan, South Korea and Australia who spoke on key aspects of skills development, covering the role industry in skill development, technology as enabler for 'Make in India', and the potential of trainers as the value creators.