2 days Ago By Firstpost
As India marches towards its vision of Viksit Bharat—a developed, self-reliant nation—green skill development emerges as a crucial enabler. With a rapidly expanding renewable energy sector and a strong governmental push for sustainability, the demand for a skilled workforce in green technologies is higher than ever. The Green Skill Development Programme, driven by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, is playing a transformative role in equipping India’s youth with industry-relevant expertise in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and clean technologies.
To streamline and standardise skill development, NSDC has established 36 Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), each led by industry leaders in their respective sectors. Among these, the Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ) is at the forefront of identifying skill gaps and designing competency standards for the renewable energy and green hydrogen sectors. SCGJ has projected a massive surge in employment opportunities, with the green hydrogen sector alone expected to generate 315,000 job opportunities across various roles in renewable energy plants.
Additionally, a joint assessment by SCGJ and the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) estimates a million job openings by 2030 in the solar and wind energy sectors as India moves towards achieving its ambitious 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity target. The Government of India’s Skill India Mission (SIM) has been instrumental in delivering skill training, reskilling, and upskilling initiatives through an extensive network of skill development centres and institutes. Key government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) offer short-term training and certification in renewable energy, while Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) empowers marginalised communities with skill development opportunities.
Other programmes like the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) facilitate industry-led skill training through apprenticeships, and the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) through ITIs imparts structured vocational training. Additionally, the Directorate General of Training (DGT), under MSDE, is implementing the skill component of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, ensuring a steady supply of trained professionals to support India’s solar energy expansion. Recognising the need for world-class training, SCGJ has signed a tripartite MoU with the Australian government and ReNew Pvt.
Ltd. This partnership will establish a cutting-edge training centre in India with technical support from Australian experts. The initiative aims to develop specialised training modules and train 2,000 workers on solar rooftop installation—a key area in India’s clean energy transition.
Such collaborations underscore the importance of global expertise in shaping a workforce that is equipped with advanced technical knowledge and best practices in sustainability. To ensure a structured and high-quality skill development ecosystem, SCGJ has developed 37 qualifications in renewable energy and green hydrogen. These qualifications are aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), approved by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), and developed in adherence to globally benchmarked standards.
This structured approach guarantees that skill development programmes meet industry requirements and enhance the employability of the youth entering the green workforce. Skill training in the renewable energy and green hydrogen sectors is an ongoing nationwide effort. SCGJ has already trained and certified over 158,000 people, not just fostering employment but also ensuring that India has the skilled manpower needed to achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets.
For India to truly become a global leader in sustainability and achieve its Viksit Bharat vision, integrating green skill development into the national agenda is imperative. The synergy between government policies, industry collaborations, and training programmes is laying the foundation for a skilled workforce that will drive India’s clean energy revolution. With a proactive approach to equipping youth with cutting-edge green skills, India is not just preparing for the future—it is shaping it.
Anil Agrawal is an ex-Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, and Akash Balyan is studying economics at Symbiosis School of Economics. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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