Introduction
India a large population of working-age people. In India, poverty is a serious problem. Under Skill India, various initiatives such as the National Skill Development Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), the National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the Skill Loan Scheme, and Rural India Skill have been launched. The Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF and CC) is a unique initiative launched in June 2017 that facilitates India’s young generation in obtaining gainful employment and/or self-employment.
The curriculum aims to build skilled green workers with technical knowledge and dedication to sustainable development. There is a significant gap between the demand and supply of skills and capabilities, both cognitive and practical, at different levels in the environment, as well as in forests in India. Nonetheless, most vocational training programs focus not on “soft”’ skills or “natural” skills but on mechanical /technical skills.
This void is being filled by the Natural Skill Development Program (NSDP). It increases people’s employability in occupations that lead to maintaining or restoring environmental quality while at the same time improving human well-being and social equity.
The green industry is the unified field that unites each environment-conscious individual’s efforts. It seeks to preserve the environment and distribute it to future generations—a “green world.” The green sector covers a broad range of areas such as water management, renewable energy, waste management, green transport, green building, and conservation in the general environment. How well the green industries are making the most of the green skill sets of their employees is a researchable question. This research article examines the key success factors and challenges of the GSDP and its inclusiveness in green industries.
Overall, the overall performance and innovative approach of India’s Green Jobs sector are commendable. A significant boost for our nation is the incredible potential that this industry holds.
Research design
Objectives of the study
The study’s primary goals are as follows:
• Recognize the notion of GSDP’s awareness
• To perceive the benefits of and problems faced in the GSDP
• To make some recommendations based on the study’s results and findings
Research methodology
For conducting this research, both primary and secondary data have been used. Primary data is gathered by handing out questionnaires and conducting telephone interviews with respondents. The information was gathered from 62 respondents from several firms in rural Bangalore that fall under the Green Industry category. The random sampling method has been used in the study’s sample selection. Websites with a connection to the topic were used to gather secondary data.
Data analysis and interpretations
Following is how the data has been gathered and interpreted:
Analysis and interpretation
Table 1 and Figure 1 show the total number of survey participants. The GSDP has benefited the most people between the ages of 31 and 40.
Table 1. Age.
Figure 1. Age.
Table 2 and Figure 2 show the entire sample of survey respondents selected; most are males who have benefited from the GSDP compared to female respondents.
Table 2. Gender.
Figure 2. Gender.
Table 3 and Figure 3 show that the majority of the chosen respondents have education levels below matriculation.
Table 3. Educational qualifications.
Figure 3. Educational qualifications.
Table 4 and Figure 4 show that the overall majority of the respondents, school dropouts, have benefited from the GSDP.
Table 4. School dropouts.
Figure 4. School dropouts.
Table 5 and Figure 5 show the majority of those who participated in the survey were unemployed.
Table 5. Respondents who faced unemployment problem.
Figure 5. Respondents who faced unemployment problem.
Table 6 and Figure 6 show that all respondents were aware of the GSDP initiated by our honorable prime minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
Table 6. Awareness of GSDP.
Figure 6. Awareness of GSDP.
Table 7 and Figure 7 show that most respondents overall have heard of the Skill India idea from television advertisements.
Table 7. Source of information.
Figure 7. Source of information.
Table 8 and Figure 8 show that the GSDP has provided training to 97% of the survey participants.
Table 8. Training under GSDP.
Figure 8. Training under GSDP.
Table 9 and Figure 9 show that the majority of those who have received green skill development training are in the textile industry.
Table 9. Area of training covered.
Figure 9. Area of training covered.
Table 10 and Figure 10 show that the respondents have taken full advantage of all the benefits of their education. Self-confidence was ranked first among the benefits of learning by the participants, followed by skill development, technical skill development, mental development, and technological advancement.
Table 10. Training benefits.
Figure 10. Training benefits.
Table 11 and Figure 11 show that since finishing the training program, most respondents overall have launched their own firms.
Table 11. Helpfulness of training.
Figure 11. Helpfulness of training.
Table 12 and Figure 12 show that even after preparation, most of the respondents experienced different problems. These respondents claimed that the absence of subsidies for the purchase of commercial cars was the primary problem, citing fierce competition, ignorance, a scarcity of raw materials, and a dearth of technology as contributing factors.
Table 12. Persistence of problem even after training.
Figure 12. Persistence of problem even after training.
Table 13 and Figure 13 show that the respondents have been influenced by the GSDP in various ways. Those who want success ranked highest, followed by those who desire liberty, social prestige, financial gain, and leadership qualities.
Table 13. Factors motivated through GSDP.
Figure 13. Factors motivated through Skill India Campaign.
Findings and suggestions and conclusion
The findings of the study are summarized in the sections that follow based on the analysis and interpretation
• The GSDP benefits approximately 45% of the respondents between the ages of 31 and 40, with most male respondents benefiting the most.
• The majority of the respondents in the survey are of below academic matriculation level, and the remaining are dropouts who have had significant unemployment troubles, according to the study’s findings, which demonstrate how the government is striving to address the unemployment problem.
• Many respondents are aware of the GSDP because of various government marketing programs that are highly commendable.
• The majority of the survey respondents received green skill development training in a variety of areas, which aided in their overall development. It demonstrates the schemes’ success and the youths’ positive response.
• It is revealed from the survey that respondents faced some major problems even after the training when setting up their own company, which must be addressed.
• Nearly all of the respondents were inspired by the GSDP and encouraged others to advocate for themselves.
The following suggestions have been made in light of the data analysis and findings
• There must be action taken to increase female participation in self-employment programs for all age groups.
• It is important to take steps to reduce school dropout rates and offer the highest quality education.
• There is still a need to increase awareness of the Skill India definition across various media so that even the most disadvantaged members of society can benefit.
• People should be given realistic exposure to major problems in various fields before starting their own businesses.
• Publicizing self-employment education programs and offering financial incentives to people eager
to launch their own firms and provide employment possibilities for the good of society are both necessary.
Conclusion
A country like India, with its sizable population, must deal with serious unemployment issues. Measures were taken by the government to support the self-employment schemes. Youth are trained in a variety of fields while receiving growing guidance and support in the development of their personalities and overall development.
The world has praised our honorable prime minister, Shri. Narendra Modi, and the GSDP has grown in popularity. This is a significant step in transforming India into a developed country by fostering the abilities of our people and securing a promising future for our young people. It is time for young people to take on leadership roles so that they can focus on social security and job creation rather than the economy. With this new approach, India will undoubtedly achieve its goals.
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