Addressing Skill Obsolescence : Analysing India’s National Occupational Standards and Industry 4.0

Abstract

Skill Obsolescence may be referred to as the depreciation of skills over the course of time due to a number of factors. These range from technological changes to sectoral transitions, while also pertaining to labour-related shortcomings and other demand-based events. Skill Obsolescence is an inevitable phenomenon but can severely hinder employment opportunities for people if not accounted for via adequate planning, robust skill training and sustainable opportunity-related provisions. India’s skilling programmes cover a wide range of sectors but tend to fall short in matters related to sustainable skill sets, adequate placement opportunities and converting beneficiaries into fully employable workers. This Dissertation attempts to make a case for ‘planning for Skill Obsolescence’ by using self-assessed data in the context of India’s skilling policies. It tries to look at the future of work and how skill obsolescence may be budgeted for to make India’s skilling policies more robust, utilitarian and equitable for all its beneficiaries.