CII unveils roadmap for Northern states

A roadmap for industrialisation of the Northern region should be in tune with an effective delivery mechanism of skilled manpower and environmental consciousness, says a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) study.

According to the study conducted by CII and KPMG, the Northern states should focus on its education to ensure that the working-age population meets the emerging global demands.

Currently, the region trails the Southern and Western regions significantly, with an overall literacy rate of 60% as against 71% and 69%, respectively. Therefore, the education and skill infrastructure in the region needs to be upgraded, it said.

The demographic data suggests that about 106 million people in the 15-24 age bracket would be in the North by 2016. This implies that about 33.4 million students are likely to enter the higher and vocational education. This will require about USD 84 billion to meet the demand-supply challenges in the sector, it said.

Further the report outlines that the number of ITIs per 100 sq km is 1.7 in northern region compared to 4.7 in southern region. The North has lesser number of medical colleges, whilst Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Gujarat account for 63% of total medical colleges and 67% of the number of seats.

North needs to upgrade its education system, not only by building capacity but also by making qualitative changes in teaching methods. In particular, the system needs to ensure access, equity and inclusive education for all, said the study.

The report suggests increasing industrial participation, coupled with reforms in the education system. Private-public partnerships will be required to implement this strategy, it said.