New Delhi, October 17, 2023.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship felicitated18 candidates from India, applauding their outstanding talents and skills displayed at the World Skills Competition 2022 Special Edition.India participated in 50 skills and secured 11^thposition with 2 Silver Medals, 3 Bronze Medals and 13 Medallion for Excellence.The winners and their expert trainers were honoured with certificates and cash prizes during a grand event.

The Hon’ble Minister, Shri Pradhan also took this momentous occasion to announce the commencement of IndiaSkills 2023-24, the nation's most significant and awaited National Skill Competition. With this, the candidates canenrol themselves on Skill India Digitalplatform starting today. The event was graced by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman UGC, Shri Krishna Kumar Dwivedi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Prof. T. G Sitharam, Chairman AICTE, Ms Trishaljit Sethi, Director General (Training), and Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International.

WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition was the official replacement for WorldSkills Shanghai 2022, cancelled in May due to the pandemic. Deviating from its original format, the skill competitions were held over 12 weeks in 15 countries and regions between 7 September and 26 November 2022.

Winners of Silver Medals were rewarded with the cash prize of Rs. 8 lakh, while their experts received Rs. 3 lakh. The Bronze category winners were presented with Rs. 6 lakh, and their experts with Rs. 2 lakh. The candidates and experts who received the Medallion for Excellence were rewarded with cash prizes of Rs. 2 lakh and Rs. 1 lakh, respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said, “Under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, we have been giving equal importance to competencies, applied knowledge, and hands-on training to lead in the 21^stcentury. The skill competitions represent a key component of our skilling system, enhancing the employability and market acceptance of India's youth, who play a pivotal role in nation-building. With the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 formalising the integration of skill development with education, I am confident that MSDE will broaden the canvas of India's participation in WorldSkills 2023-24 and finish within the top 10 positions. I urge industry, academia, and policymakers to work together and make skill development a jan-andolan (people's movement) for realizing the vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.”

At the event, the winners also shared their inspiring stories of how they fought against all odds, including the deadly pandemic, to travel to foreign countries and compete against the world’s best candidates in their respective trades, displaying unwavering determination and an undying passion. Their exuberance and enthusiasm have not only been a source of inspiration but also a driving force to encourage others to compete at both the state and national levels.

The 46th WorldSkillswas originally planned for 2021 and was postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic. The special editionwelcomed more than 400,000 visitors, over 84 days at 29 separate events. Almost 1,000 Competitors from 56 Member countries and regions competed in 62 skill competitions.

India participated in 50 skills with 56 competitors and 50 experts and witnessed 19% of female participation in skills which were traditionally performed by men like welding, plumbing and heating, CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Electronics, and Bricklaying. This is in alignment with Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of harnessing Nari Shakti for the development of the nation.

Team India also participated in six new future skills listed as under Industry 4.0, Robot System Integration, Additive Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Mobile Applications Development, Digital Construction.

Furthermore, the transition from 39th position in World Skills Competition 2011 to 11th position in 2022 reflects the evolving need for multi-industry training among youth to broaden the horizons of their careers and equip the workforce with diverse skill setsto increase their employability in the current job market. Skill competitions are also breaking the gender barrier and significant number of female participations in skills traditionally performed by men like welding, plumbing & heating, CNC Milling, CNC Turning, Electronics, Bricklaying, Renewable Energy, Industry 4.0, Mechatronics, and Robot System Integration.

Additionally, the launch of India Skills Competition 2023-24 meets the aspiration of young India by promoting global standards of skills, providing competitiveness, and encouraging innovation. The competition will be held in more than 15 sectors including automotive, electronics, green jobs and manufacturing withcompetitors competing in trades like Autobody Repair, CNC Milling, Additive Manufacturing, Robot System Integration, Water Technology, and Renewable Energy.

Skill championships like WorldSkills or IndiaSkills are instrumental in advancing the careers of emerging professionals by offering them a platform to display their skills with perfection. It also facilitates cooperation among governments, industry, and academia to close the skill gap and prepare the youth for the ever-evolving job market. Going forward, such endeavours will be able to help the Indian youth attain world-class standards of competence, excellence, and productivity.