Gender Issues in Vocational Education and Training in India

Abstract

The data unveils that India's workforce productivity is lower than that of many other developing countries. At the same time, India is also facing skill gap challenge because of the non-availability of skilled labor force in different sectors. There are very few adequately skilled workers in the employment system. Thus, multiple mismatches emerge, where on one side the sectors like manufacturing, crafts, etc. are desperately looking for skilled workers while on the other side the young job starters cannot find adequate employment. Also, India has a huge informal sector that employs more than 90% of all workers of the labor force and contributes in 60% of the country's economic output. If India is to become a major manufacturing power, then there should be the development of a network which can promote and reward skills and productivity. There should also be equal representation of gender in terms of participation in works and skill development. In 2011, out of a total workforce of 481.7 million, 149.9 million or 31% are women.