Prime Minister Narendra Modi has exhorted the youth to skill, reskill and upskill in order to remain relevant in the rapidly changing business environment and market conditions. He was addressing a virtual conclave on World Youth Skills Day organised by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship today.

Mr Modi said, skill is timeless, it keeps getting better with time and it makes people different from others. He said, skills are not only a means to livelihood but also a reason to feel lively and energetic in our daily routine.

The Prime Minister said, in a rapidly changing world, millions of skilled people are needed and there is a huge potential, especially in health services.

Mr Modi said, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has started mapping the opportunities being created around the world, so that the youth of the country can get accurate information about the needs of other countries also.

Referring to the portal launched recently for mapping the skilled employees and employers, he stated that it will help the skilled workers, including the migrant workers who have returned to their homes to access jobs easily and the employers to contact skilled employees at the click of a mouse.

He emphasized that the skills of migrant workers would also help in changing the local economy. He suggested that the Indian youth with a long maritime tradition can contribute as expert sailors to merchant navies across the world due to the growing demand in this sector.

The Prime Minister stated that the Skill India Mission launched five years back on the same day has led to creation of a vast infrastructure for skilling, reskilling and upskilling and enhancing opportunities to access employment both locally and globally.

It has led to hundreds of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras being set up across the country and increase in the capacity of the ITI ecosystem. Due to these concerted efforts, more than five crore youth have been skilled in the last five years.

The Prime Minister said, corona crisis has changed the nature of job and the work culture. He said, changing technology has also influenced it.

He congratulated the youth of the country on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day and said the world belongs to the youth due to their ability to acquire new skills all the time.

Mr Modi said, it is important for the youth to realize the difference between Knowledge and Skills and their different contexts and implications.

The Prime Minister urged everyone to wear mask, maintain social distancing and stay safe.