Addressing India’s 5G conundrum

Mobile communication in India was primarily voice-based for many years.

Published: 08th March 2019 04:00 AM  |   Last Updated: 08th March 2019 03:17 AM

The recently concluded annual Mobile World Congress in Barcelona was abuzz with the emerging technology called 5G, which is expected to transform the communication landscape the world over. As with any technology life cycle, we witness hype before reality sets in. How soon will 5G become a reality and how quickly will India embrace this technology? Before looking at the possible solutions, let us understand this emerging technology a bit.

5G stands for the fifth generation of mobile internet connectivity. 5G promises 10 to 100 times faster data download and upload speeds compared to 4G. This technology will be applicable to an ecosystem of infrastructure devices (maybe billions of devices!) and is not just limited to smartphones. A recent report suggests that there are 7 billion connected devices globally, mostly comprising mobile phones, but that would increase 15-fold by 2025. This is because of the addition of connected home appliances, cars, transportation infrastructure, etc. 5G is also expected to reduce the latency (time taken for sending data from one point to another). This can help in innovative real-time applications across manufacturing, healthcare, education, etc.  

The rollout of 5G across the globe will happen gradually; 5G network suppliers as well as mobile phone makers are in a hurry to get their products into the market. Telcos across the globe are trying to outsmart each other. No wonder, a leading telco in the US recently started a controversial marketing campaign called 5GE or 5G Evolution (which is advanced 4G and has nothing to do with 5G). It is expected that the US, Japan, South Korea and the EU would roll out 5G services during the next couple of years. Any new wireless technology would involve complete infrastructure deployment as well as the availability of mobile handsets.  

Mobile communication in India was primarily voice-based for many years. However, over the past couple of years, India has suddenly emerged as a leading market for data consumption. A leading mobile network provider says that data consumption on mobile networks per user in India is among the highest in the world. While the increase in mobile usage is laudable, Indian mobile subscribers are a frustrated lot due to poor voice call quality, call drops and substandard data rates for browsing. While the benefits of 5G are too good to ignore and would help India become a ‘technology-first’ nation, the question remains: Will Indian telcos take the 5G plunge?

The biggest challenge is the availability of 100 per cent backhaul fibre optic network. Reports suggest that the US and China have over 80 per cent of the backhaul network fiberised, while in India, it is just about 25 per cent. In addition, what about the ability of the telcos to acquire equipment, infrastructure and more importantly spectrum? The total debt in the industry is over Rs 7 lakh crores.

Many telcos have requested for delayed payment for the spectrum they had acquired, and there are rumours that some telcos will file for bankruptcy. The situation is similar to the one we witnessed in the late nineties when the government intervened in bailing out the telcos that had filed for bankruptcy.
Should India wait for 5G to mature in other countries before bringing it here? Certainly not. The government’s Digital India push would get a major boost through the ultra high speed 5G network. Through Digital India initiatives, the government has already launched close to 70 services (including UMANG, Jan Dhan, eKYC, etc.) With more services on the anvil and more citizens availing the services, a robust 5G-ready infrastructure is the key.

The government has announced India will be 5G ready by 2020, but that seems far-fetched. It has plans to auction 5G spectrum. However, reports suggest even at the base price, the spectrum is 3-4 times more expensive compared to the cost in nations like South Korea. Considering the tepid response to previous auctions, the government is on the backfoot. 5G infrastructure would mean huge expenditure from the telcos for building the telecom backbone and for spectrum. The present price war and the ultra low cost tariff initiated by Jio has left the incumbent telcos struggling financially. In fact, a leading telco recently said the artificially low tariff for Indian subscribers would stop very soon as it is simply unviable for them.

How can the government help in bringing 5G? Firstly, the pricing for 5G must be reasonable with relaxed payment terms. But this would go against the government’s objective of maximising revenue from spectrum sale. Secondly, private players should be incentivised and the “Fibre First Initiative” mentioned in the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) 2018 should be aggressively implemented. Thirdly, the government should aim at reducing the regulatory taxes paid by Indian telcos, among the highest in the world.

They pay 30-32 per cent of their revenue as taxes (including spectrum usage charges, licence fees, GST etc.). Also, the government must push for ‘Make in India’ manufacturing for 5G infrastructure, equipment and even mobiles. Finally, an ecosystem should be created for coming up with India-specific applications by involving the right stakeholders including industry and academia.

Notwithstanding the current challenges in the telecom industry, India needs to embark on the 5G journey for the Digital India initiatives to be effective. The government and telcos must work together in building the right infrastructure that can provide superlative data speeds and user experience for all of us.

G Krishna Kumar
Columnist and ICT professional based in Bengaluru. Views are personal
Email: krishnak1@outlook.com

Digital India: The way forward

Although the Digital India initiatives are focused on reducing the digital divide, a multi-pronged strategy is required for India to emerge as a leading digital economy.

Published: 15th July 2018 04:00 AM  |   Last Updated: 15th July 2018 08:52 AM

By G Krishna Kumar

Information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad recently stated that the government had added more services through the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app for smartphones. This app offers 242 services from 57 departments in 12 states. This is unprecedented progress for a government initiative that was launched by PM Narendra Modi six months ago as part of the Digital India push. While the initiatives must be lauded, a recent global survey on Internet/App usage by global research firm Pew Research Centre ranks India lowest amongst the 39 large economies surveyed. Although the Digital India initiatives are focused on reducing the digital divide, a multi-pronged strategy is required for India to emerge as a leading digital economy.

Infrastructure, implementation
The national telecom policy, rechristened as the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP-2018), is expected to be announced shortly after Cabinet approval.

We have seen three national telecom policies—NTP 1994, NTP 1999 and NTP 2012—in the past and the Broadband Policy in 2004. We have struggled when it comes to implementation of the stated objectives in the policies. Free roaming was part of the NTP 2012 objectives, but it has not been fully implemented (Outgoing calls while roaming are still charged).Another example: NTP 2012 stated that broadband Internet should have a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps, while to-date, an Internet speed of 512kbps is considered broadband in India. In comparison, leading economies have already increased the minimum speed to 7-20 Mbps.

While superlative Internet speeds are still a distant dream, the government, regulator TRAI, and telecom firms have failed miserably in providing basic mobile call quality. The call drop menace continues, with no accountability whatsoever, letting down subscribers. The telecom sector has been in financial turmoil with debts rising, thanks to mindless spectrum auctions pushing the telcos into bankruptcy. The hyper-competitive environment has led to some operators going out of business. 

The NDCP-2018 has set a lofty goal of investment of $100 billion in four years. With over `7 lakh crore in debt, how will the telcos mobilize funds? 

Also, the cumulative taxes paid by Indian telcos are the highest in the world. The telcos pay over 32 per cent of their revenue as taxes (including spectrum usage charges, licence fees, GST etc.) to the government, compared to 3-8 per cent in other countries. The government must attempt to reduce the tax burden on the telcos.

Considering the current challenges in the telecom sector, the government could even consider delaying the NDCP-18. Instead, it could prioritize and draw up specific actions for improving the health of the sector before the new policy is introduced.

The PSU angle and delays
Although mobile phones are easily available, the inherent inefficiency in spectrum management and poor network infrastructure have resulted in poor quality of experience for end users. State-owned firms Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and MTNL are making losses for several years with no sign of revival. Successive governments have provided free/discounted spectrum to the PSUs with the hope of revival. Despite the preferential treatment, the PSUs have struggled to stay relevant even in rural India, where private players are dominant. Spectrum being a scarce resource, the government should look at improving efficiency in the spectrum held by BSNL/MTNL by allowing private players with the right checks and balances.

For high-speed Internet access, fixed broadband can be an alternative.
BharatNet, a special purpose vehicle envisaged in 2011, was an ambitious plan to connect all the 2,50,000 gram panchayats through a high-speed optical network. Incessant delays meant only 25-30 per cent completion against the target. The Telecom Commission has drawn up revised plans to complete this by March 2019. While we await completion of this network, Reliance is planning to disrupt broadband through an advanced fibre-based solution (1Gbps speed), and aims to be an all-in-one broadband service by encompassing IPTV, landline, video conferencing etc. Reliance Jio’s track record in disrupting mobile communication in the country is well known. BSNL, the current leader in fixed broadband service, will be displaced soon should Reliance taste success in this space.

Spur innovation
Most of the e-governance websites and apps are not intuitive and even e-literate citizens would find it challenging to navigate them. Internet users are exposed to world-class apps and websites and expect a similar experience on government websites. For the rural populace to become an integral part of Digital India, simpler, innovative and intuitive user experiences must be created.

The National Knowledge Network (NKN), a government initiative, can play a key role in bringing students, researchers, academics and the government on a common platform for improving the quality of experience. The government would do well to encourage the NKN to pursue cognitive science programmes that would look at easy ways to communicate and represent information through artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. Such an initiative will immensely help the semi-literate/illiterate population.

India’s telecom sector has come a long way through the adoption of mobile technologies. However, for India to emerge as a dominant digital economy, the government needs to prioritize achievable targets and ensure the implementation of the initiatives.

G Krishna Kumar
ICT professional and columnist based in Bengaluru
Email: krishnak1@outlook.com

Fleeing stone-pelters in paradise on Earth

Let me first pay my deepest condolences to the family of Thirumani who was killed by stone-pelters in Kashmir on May 7.

Published: 10th May 2018 04:00 AM  |   Last Updated: 10th May 2018 01:13 AM

By G Krishna Kumar

Let me first pay my deepest condolences to the family of Thirumani who was killed by stone-pelters in Kashmir on May 7. While I was watching the news about the youngster’s death, a thought crossed my mind: It could have very well been me or my family member as we were present in Srinagar just a day before this incident. After much deliberation, we decided to visit Kashmir after giving Sikkim, Munnar and Coorg a pass. It was a brave decision, considering the on-and-off encounters and stone-pelting incidents in the Valley.

We were lucky to have returned home after a memorable trip to Kashmir. But we had our share of tense moments with the bandh and stone-pelting incidents. One day, as we were driving down a road in Srinagar, a passerby alerted the driver that people were pelting stones a few hundred meters away. The driver immediately took a diversion. After a while, when we returned to the area, we found many stones on the road; not mere stones but huge broken concrete blocks.

But the sheer beauty of the place helped us overcome the anxiety. Kashmir is indeed paradise on earth with beautiful landscapes and snow-covered mountains. The pristine water flow in Doodhpathri, lush green landscapes in Pahalgam (mini Switzerland), miles of ice at “Zero point” in Sonamarg, snowfall in Gulmarg should never be missed. The best part about the Valley are the people who are known to care for the visitors, an attitude often termed as Kashmiriyat.

How can things go wrong in such a beautiful place with hundreds of people getting killed every year? A place blessed with unmatched natural resources and very friendly people. The cities and towns looked so normal like any other place in India. With my broken Hindi I managed to talk to a few locals. They are up-to-date on encounters. They have learnt to “live with encounters”. But people have very strong political affiliations. Killing of civilians makes them angry.

It was shocking to see “Go back India” slogans written on walls. It was equally shocking to find thousands of people attending the funeral of slain militants. The economy is hugely dependent on tourists and stone-pelting incidents will severely impact the region.

Had the situation been normal, I am sure Kashmir would have overtaken Switzerland or Austria as the most popular tourist destination. But that looks impossible as of now.

G Krishna Kumar

Email: krishnak1@outlook.com

Technology’s always been a job creator

G. KRISHNA KUMAR

AI is here to stay. Sure, some jobs will go, but others will be created. And human intervention will always be required

Recently, economist Paul Krugman warned that India could lose its dominating position in the global services trade space due to the threat of artificial intelligence. He feels this could result in massive unemployment.

Artificial intelligence or AI is the intelligence demonstrated by machines. Essentially, computers continuously ‘learn’, mimicking cognitive functions like humans. AI has already started impacting our lives. Voice-based search used in smartphones is an example of AI. Self-driven cars is another .

According to Gartner’s Technology hype cycle, mainstream adoption of AI is expected to take off over the next 2-5 years.

From an industry perspective, the evolution of technology must be juxtaposed with the rate of change of customer needs. This means IT companies are required to support customers with stable/legacy technologies (such as the airline booking system or 2G or core banking software); at the same time, customers need leading edge technologies. The challenge for companies is to create the right mix.

Will AI be a threat to the current and future IT workforce? Will it wipe out the IT Industry? Certainly not. We still need people to monitor and maintain automated systems.

Co-existence is the mantra

The tech era is about 50 years old. Historical data shows that evolving technology has been a job creator. Man and machines need to co-exist. Many of the jobs that exist today did not exist 20 or 30 years ago; back then the same issues and concerns existed around job security.

It is a fact that AI-based bots and chatbots have already taken away jobs in the IT industry. This will continue and automation will certainly take over manylow engagement jobs.

However, over a period of time, we will end up with a more engaged and motivated workforce that would like to perform exciting and challenging tasks rather than mundane activities. For this to happen, an environment that can foster innovation is needed.

AI is likely to create more jobs than it would destroy. A Gartner’s report predicts that by 2020, automation will create 2.3 million jobs, while only 1.8 million jobs will be lost.

In order to keep pace with disruptions, the IT workforce need to Learn, Unlearn and Relearn. Reskilling/upskilling both out of individual interest and through organisational initiatives will be required. The key is the willingness of an individual to learn and adapt. The IT workforce needs to demonstrate the right attitude, analytical skills, strong domain knowledge and programming skills to stay relevant.

Collaborations and partnerships are needed to demonstrate agility and relevance in the industry. Lately, experts are being hired on need basis for specific tasks; they may end up working for different companies simultaneously. ‘Uberisation’ of the workforce is gaining popularity. Uberisation simply indicates freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs.

A recent WEF report states that US leads the way in uberisation. Already, 36 per cent of its workforce are freelancers and by 2027 the majority will be freelancers. They keep themselves abreast of evolving technology.

Organisations must be willing to accept and promote the concept of remote workers, anywhere on the planet, with negligible ‘control’ over the people. This calls for a shift in mindset.

Better training

Other than the fact that engineering colleges piggybacked on the IT industry in India, industry-academia collaboration for ensuring industry ready talent has been a challenge. We need an IT workforce that can be future-proofed through better training.

The output from engineering colleges has been a major cause of concern for the IT industry. There are over 3,000 engineering colleges in the country, with close to eight lakh students passing out every year. Some 55 per cent of the students aspire for software employment while only 3 per cent of them are ready for such jobs.

Strict action from the Government to reduce admissions into engineering colleges must be put in place. In addition, tighter industry-academia collaboration is extremely important. The Government should consider imposing mandatory six-month training (similar to the concept of interns in the medical field). However, the sheer volume of students passing out every year is a deterrent for IT industry participation in guiding aspiring software engineers and getting them close to industry-ready.

Considering that AI and technology disruption is a given, we need innovative models through which gen-next engineers can gear up to face future challenges.

So, how shall we prove Krugman wrong? We know man and machines will co-exist. We need cohesive actions for upskilling existing talent, embrace uberisation of the workforce and ensure high quality gen-next engineers for India to handle the impact of AI.

The writer is an ICT professional and columnist based in Bengaluru. The views are personal

Published on March 28, 2018

India, America and net Neutrality

By G KRISHNA KUMAR  |   Published: 25th December 2017 04:00 AM  |  

Social media is abuzz with the US Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) decision to repeal the net-neutrality regulations. The regulations, aimed at ensuring a free and open Internet, were proposed in 2015. The FCC had then famously reclassified high-speed Internet as a telecommunications service, subjecting internet service providers (ISP) to penal action for violations. The Internet ecosystem comprises three key players—the ISPs or telecom service providers like Airtel and BSNL, the ‘content providers’ like WhatsApp and Facebook, and the end user.

Net neutrality implies the ISP must treat all data as exactly the same without discrimination based on source of the data or the intended recipient. This also means there should be no discrimination in terms of priority or pricing discrimination. The user must have the same experience when accessing any website on the Internet (be it Google, Facebook or any local news portal). By providing a level-playing field, net neutrality will encourage the content providers, especially the smaller ones, to come up with innovative solutions. This would spur the start-up ecosystem.

However, in an ISP controlled/non net-neutrality regime, the bigger content providers could have an ‘understanding’ with the ISPs and potentially kill the smaller companies. Opponents of net neutrality argue that its enforcement would not motivate the ISPs to improve Internet infrastructure as they are not able to monetise their existing infrastructure, like radio spectrum. The US move will give powers to the ISPs for controlling and throttling Internet content. It is unprecedented considering a recent survey found that 83 per cent of US consumers support net neutrality. Pai has said the FCC would no longer be in the business of micromanaging business models and pre-emptively prohibiting services that could be pro-competitive. Many consumer groups are pursuing a legal route.

As expected, ISPs like AT&T and Comcast have welcomed this move. While tech giants like Amazon and Facebook expressed unhappiness, the fact that these giants enjoy a huge loyal customer base puts them in a powerful position when negotiating with the ISPs. The scrapping of net neutrality in the US will have a rub-off effect. Many nations consider the US as the beacon for technology regulations. A recent report talks about possible implications in Australia, as the nation follows the US on Internet access. While most EU nations have some form of net neutrality enabled, Portugal is an exception where service providers are using loopholes in the regulation to charge more. India has been a proponent of net neutrality for the past few years.

Recently, IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said that right to Internet access is ‘non-negotiable’. In its recent recommendations, the telecom regulator TRAI said that Internet- access services should be governed by a principle that restricts any form of discrimination or interference in the treatment of content, including practices like blocking, slowing down or granting preferential speeds or treatment to any content. The TRAI said ‘specialised services or other exclusions’ will not come under the purview of the recommendations.

It has also suggested that it does not see any issue with adoption of reasonable traffic management practices by the service provider. The special services could include healthcare and other areas. By using some of the clauses in the TRAI recommendation, will we see some form of zerorating like Facebook’s Free Basics again? In early 2016, Facebook started Free Basics allowing users free, but restrictive Internet access. Facebook had to stop this service due to the government’s clampdown on discriminatory pricing. The TRAI has taken the step in the right direction by allowing some flexibility for the ISPs. But this is desirable with the right checks and balances.

The Internet is becoming complex with so many stakeholders like search engine providers, content providers, mobile phone makers and platform providers, all competing for their share. The ISPs could differentiate based on the broad category of applications—for e.g., voice applications. However we don’t want specific content providers’ data to be given different priority—for e.g., Skype or WhatsApp should not be treated differently. For TRAI, monitoring such cases will be a challenge. However, on monitoring internet traffic, the TRAI has said that the DoT needs to establish an industryled collaborative framework. Presently, India has 400 million Internet users, of which rural penetration is abysmal at 16 per cent. Reports suggest rural India can add 750 million subscribers.

So demand for Internet access and India-specific content will increase a lot over the next few years. So, Internet is undoubtedly an important platform that can unleash innovation potential through startups, e-governance and the ‘Digital India’ programme. However, India’s Internet speeds are much lower compared to global averages. India is ranked 109th in terms of mobile Internet speed amongst 122 countries and 76th in fixed Internet. While India has seen improvement in the Internet speeds during 2017, the speeds are one-tenth that of Norway or Singapore.

Even Sri Lanka and Pakistan are ahead of us. So the government’s effort in enabling synergy amongst the key stakeholders is paramount. The ISPs must be able to run a viable business, while nurturing innovation from content providers and ensuring superlative user experience to the end users. India’s stand on allowing free and non-discriminatory internet access must be applauded. However, implementation of net neutrality by supporting the ecosystem and ensuring superlative user experience will be the key.

G Krishna Kumar
ICT professional and columnist based in Bengaluru
Email: krishnak1@outlook.com

Spare a thought for the kirana store

By Krishna Kumar G  |   Published: 14th October 2017 04:00 AM  |  

Back in the 1980s, we moved into our own independent house in a newly-formed locality in south Bangalore. Those days, three factors were crucial for receiving any appreciation for the house. One, proximity to a bus stop, two, the ease of finding an autorickshaw and three, the distance from a kirana store.

In the current apartment-crazy and Uber-connected Bengaluru, I am fairly sure all the above factors won’t make the cut for any appreciation. My father was proud to have built a house. However, our relatives used to chide him for building a house outside the city as the house never fulfilled any of the three factors. However, things started to improve.

Although the bus stop was over 1.5 km from my house, a few routes were later added and that was enough to bring cheer amongst the residents. Getting an autorickshaw was always difficult. The sound of an autorickshaw near the house got us excited. Despite the well-known “refusal problem” with auto rickshaws, just a sight of the three-wheeler in the locality became the most enjoyable moment.

The most significant event to unfold was the opening of the first kirana store, “Nandi store” in the vicinity after a 10-year wait! We would purchase biscuits and milk to cater to unplanned guests at home. The humble Nandi store was very popular in the neighbourhood and also emerged as an adda for intense discussions on politics and cricket. The store continues to operate even today, with the owner’s son taking over from his father, However, the young owner is a worried man. The number of houses in the locality has grown manyfold over the past two decades, but his business has shrunk significantly.

This is attributed to the significant shift in the purchasing trend—online shopping and supermarkets. Between 2010 and 2012, Bengaluru witnessed a spurt in the number of supermarkets. I believed this would have a negligible on stores like Nandi. But I was wrong! With the rapid advancement in Digital India, where everything will be delivered at the doorstep, kirana stores are poised to vanish soon. Perhaps a few lucky ones may survive. Spare a thought for all the small kirana stores.

These self-made entrepreneurs, with no exposure to slogans like ‘Start up India’ and entrepreneurship training, could go jobless very soon. Well! Not really! They are the true blue-blooded entrepreneurs and let’s hope they find their way out with smart ideas. Wishing Nandi store and all the kirana-wallahs the very best!

Krishna Kumar G

Email: krishnak.krishnak@gmail.com

Big worry: unemployment and underemployment

G Krishna Kumar Sep 21 2017, 0:11 IST

Unemployment is the number one issue in 26 countries according to What Worries the World survey by France’s Ipsos, a global market research company. India is no exception to this and unemployment is undoubtedly the biggest challenge faced by the present government. It is not a surprise that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has removed two ministers from his Cabinet who were tasked with creating 10 million jobs per year.

Before we look at what the new ministers could do, let us decipher data from the latest report of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The unemployment rate in India is 4.9%. The bigger issue, though, is that the unemployment rate is going up with the level of education.

The unemployment rate for people aged 18-29 years and holding a degree in graduation and above is at 28%. At the all-India level, 58.3% of unemployed graduates and 62.4% of unemployed post-graduates cited non-availability of jobs matching with their education/skill and experience as the main reason for unemployment. Only 60.6% of the people aged 15 years and above who were available for work all 12 months were able to get work throughout the year.

Interestingly, the Niti Aayog recently stated that the biggest problem in India is underemployment, and not unemployment. Underemployment includes highly skilled workers performing jobs requiring lower skills. An Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report states that underemployment is a big challenge for emerging economies with many workers trapped in low-paid, informal jobs which fail to develop and fully utilise their skills and capacities.

Underemployment can be argued as being both good and bad. Good: as a matter of survival, people will take on any work, be it casual or informal or a part-time job. Bad: it will be detrimental if it is a long-term trend with increasing percentage. In India, we don’t have clear measures for underemployment as such, but based on research reports, it would be about 17-20%.

Australia has pioneered the use of a broader measure called Labour Underutilisation Rate (LUR) by adding the underemployment and unemployment numbers, thereby giving a realistic picture of the unemployment challenge. Based on the available data, the LUR in India would be 21-25%. This means one in every four people is underemployed or unemployed!

India needs to act before unemployment/underemployment snowballs into a structural issue. The situation is certainly not out of control yet and we need to seize the opportunities in front of us.

China has emerged as the industrial hub of the world, but because of higher employee costs, the salary levels are at least 1.5 to 2.5 times more compared to a similar skilled job in India. India should use this as an opportunity to spur manufacturing in the country. The government’s plan to revamp the manufacturing policy is a step in the right direction. Implementation will be key to realising the Make in India campaign aimed at creating 100 million additional jobs by the year 2022 in the manufacturing sector.

The government is also trying to introduce the wage code for minimum wages. Opponents of minimum wages argue that the code would lead to job losses as businesses will invest in automation owing to the high wages. However, research reports state that automatable jobs would be good for the economy in the long term.

The 18th century industrial revolution, which it was feared would cause job losses, eventually led to job creation and prosperity. Along similar lines, low-wage workers with routine jobs (or automatable jobs) could lose their work, but this will lead to them taking up more valuable jobs. All actions from the government to spur manufacturing in the country and implement minimum wages will help India over the medium to long-term.

Boost rural employment

Employment generation in rural India must also be a priority for the government. Food processing, agricultural and farming productivity improvement must be supported for sustainable job creation in the country. In the rural hinterland, finding labour force for agriculture is a challenge. The farm workers are easily lured by sundry jobs in cities. The only way this massive migration can be addressed is by providing meaningful infrastructure in villages and towns.

Maybe, we should learn from the US, where the civic amenities are the best-in-class in villages/towns. Instead of creating 100 smart cities, India should focus on building smart villages and towns.

For India to make the most of these opportunities, some swift actions are necessary. For the Digital India campaign to be meaningful, the government must ensure that accurate employment-related up-to-date data is available, or with a lag of one to two months.

Along with this, the government should also publish employment demand-forecast in every industry sector for the next 5-10 years. Such a medium/long term forecast can have a tremendous impact as all the stakeholders can coherently help in building the talent supply.

There is an urgent need to revamp the broad education framework in the country on lines of employment-oriented education system in the world, through the dual system of vocational education and training (DSVET).

Further, the government should improve visibility on skill development and job creation. It must provide thrust on re-using existing physical infrastructure or building new infrastructure for offering training.

Finally, we need awareness campaigns celebrating the success stories from Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship. A recent report suggests that the PMMY generated 5.5 crore jobs. Getting youth to embrace entrepreneurship could well be the solution to addressing India’s unemployment/underemployment issues.

(The writer is adviser, Centre for Educational and Social Studies, Bengaluru)