CSIR’s Skill Initiative Reshaping India’s Workforce for an Atmanirbhar Future

India has set its sights on being a self- sufficient (Atmanirbhar Bharat) country and in the process, it aims at inclusive economic growth. To that end, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is quietly making an effort to overhaul the nation's skilling system via its main programme CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative.

This programme, which is perfectly in line with the national priorities of Skill India and innovation led development, works as a bridge between scientific research and industry, ready talent, something that has been missing for a long time. It achieves this by incorporating practical/training sessions into India's scientific infrastructure of CSIR departments.

While most skilling efforts still lie on the surface, this one integrates science, technology, and real world applications in such a way that learners not only gain future oriented skills but also remain closely connected to their immediate environment and the country as a whole.

Referring to the extensive CSIR network of laboratories for conducting research and the world class expertise gained from it, the programme is a multi sector initiative, aimed at producing graduates whose skills match the labour market demand, encouraging them to start their own businesses, and making technology based solutions their first choice.

Inclusive by Design

A major strength of the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative is the inclusive framework on which it is based. As India continues to drive its Atmanirbhar Bharat vision and inclusive economic growth, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has been reshaping the country's skilling ecosystem in a very revolutionary way with the help of its flag ship CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative, 'quietly' was the word used to describe the method of this transformation. The programme, which is in line with the national priorities of Skill India and innovation led development, solves the problem of lack of industry, ready talent by scientific research, through training of hands on, in the large scientific infrastructure of India.

Besides that, the program is a blend of science, technology, and genuine life situations, whereby the learners develop future, orientated skills and at the same time being aware of the local and national needs. The program will make use of CSIR's network of laboratories all over the country and the strong research capabilities to enhance employability, entrepreneurship, and technological self- reliance in a wide range of sectors.