FM seeks Industry help for growth

Speaking at the CII National Conference and Annual Session 2011 in New Delhi, Mukherjee said, "We have to come together, the government and the business enterprise, in overcoming the several structural concerns that would continue to test us in the coming years."

He also drew the immediate attention of the captains of Indian industry and business to the issues that can guarantee the success of our strategy for inclusive development and, in fact, the very sustainability of the growth momentum in the coming years that depends critically on the availability of skilled manpower.

“Our notion of inclusive growth also needs to be much broader than merely poverty alleviation. It should include the equality of opportunity for a productive and meaningful life with freedom and dignity,” said Mukherjee.

Emphasizing the role of skill development in addressing the objective of inclusive growth, the Finance Minister appreciated the leadership CII has provided to National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). He however called upon CII to take further lead in meeting the NSDC target of creating 150 million skilled persons and setting up at least 10-15 sectors specific Skill Councils including in manufacturing, healthcare and mining.

Mentioning the government efforts to promote inclusive growth, the Finance Minister spoke of several initiatives including the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and Bharat Nirman. He also mentioned his efforts at spreading the green revolution to the eastern states and its positive impact on inclusive growth that is already apparent.

The theme of the CII conference this year is “Securing the Future: Framework for Inclusive Growth”.

The Finance Minister also launched “Skillpedia” - an online platform to create awareness on the importance of certification of skills by recognized assessment agencies for the benefit of the employer and the job seeker - an effort of CII to complement the Government of India’s goal of creating a skilled workforce of 500 million by 2022. This platform was developed in consultation with the NSDC and was handed over to NSDC post its launch.