Ludhiana to create 3-lakh skilled workforce jobs by 2022; Report

Ludhiana, July 1, 2016: Ludhiana alone is estimated to create around 3-lakh job opportunities for skilled workforce by 2022, stated a survey conducted by Rockman Industries, India’s leading auto components manufacturer, and Ernst & Young (EY). The survey revealed that vocational training and skills training would play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between employment and opportunities.

The survey further found that there is a huge opportunity to train and upskill the youth to meet the growing demand for skilled manpower in Ludhiana, a significant manufacturing hub in North India for the past many decades with a concentration of textile, bicycle, automotive and engineering activity.

It is a key district in Punjab with the highest share of contribution to the total state economy. It is also one of the leading commercial hubs of Northern India. The district has a robust industrial base with a mix of MSMEs and large enterprises, contributing 29.73% to Punjab’s overall manufacturing output.

Says Mr. Suman Kant Munjal, CMD, Rockman Industries, the larger purpose of the Rockman Industries and EY Survey was to understand the gap between employment opportunities and employment readiness of the youth in Ludhiana. The demand for skilled workforce is the need of the hour, as it leads to long-term employment, in turn ensuring manufacturing growth. Anticipating and building competencies among the youth will also enable workers and enterprises to adapt to the rapid pace of change. A competent and skilled workforce in Ludhiana is a win-win situation for both workers and enterprises as it improves productivity, increases efficiency and output.”

The survey has thrown up interesting results about Ludhiana. While there is an urgent need to increase skilled workforce in the next 5-yr, there is also the necessity to equip the youth to fulfil the growth in employment opportunities. The youth of Ludhiana need to be provided with every possible avenue to become self-reliant.The future prosperity of Ludhiana, Punjab and of India depends on the number of persons in meaningful employment and on their productivity. A skilled workforce boosts both productivity and quality, which are the necessary ingredients for growth. This in turn encourages domestic and foreign investments, creating more jobs and lowering unemployment and underemployment.

Meanwhile , MDs and CEOs in close to 50 companies and over 600 people in more than 20 locations participated in the survey. Some of the most important trades were found to be mechanic, welder, fitter, electrician, tailoring, sewing machine operator, accounting, banking, industrial safety, etc.