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GS Paper: GS3

  •  Time to reset the GST system   

    Why in the News?

    Most states appear to be opposed to altering the current five primary GST rate slabs: 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%.

    About Goods and Service Tax (GST):

    • The Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India was introduced by the Constitutional (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act of 2017. It is a unified tax system that replaced multiple indirect taxes levied by both the Central and State Governments.
    • Under GST, the Central (CGST) and state government (SGST) share the authority to levy and collect taxes on goods and services. In the case of Inter-state transactions, Integrated GST (IGST) is applicable.

    Essential Features of GST

    • Multiple Tax Levels: India’s GST system has multiple tax rates, with four primary tax rates (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%). Additionally, there is a “zero rate” for certain essential goods and services (e.g. exports).
    • One Nation, One Tax: GST is based on the principles of value-added tax and applies to the supply of goods and services across the nation. It brings uniformity in the tax structure across India, eliminating the cascading effect of taxes.
    • Destination-Based Tax: This means that the revenue generated from GST is collected by the state where the goods or services are consumed, rather than where they are produced.
    • Eliminating Cascading Effect: Under the Indian GST system, businesses can claim input tax credit for the GST they paid on their purchases. This ensures that taxes are levied only on the value added at each stage of the supply chain.
    • Sector-specific Exemptions: Certain sectors, such as healthcare, education, and basic necessities like food grains, are either exempted from GST or have reduced tax rates to ensure affordability and accessibility.
    • Threshold Exemption: Small businesses with a turnover below a specified threshold (currently, it is 20 lakhs: supplier of both goods & services and 40 lakhs: for supplier of goods (Intra–State) in India) are exempt from GST.

    Present Challenges in GST Rates

    • Complexity and Confusion: The existence of multiple GST slabs creates confusion for businesses and consumers alike. Different rates for similar items lead to complications in compliance and classification, resulting in litigation and disputes.
      • For instance, the GST on cement is 28%, while essential items like milk are exempt, yet products derived from milk, such as skimmed milk powder, are taxed at 5%.
    • Anomalies in Taxation: There are notable inconsistencies in the application of GST rates. For example, the taxation of medical and life insurance premiums at 18% is seen as burdensome for individuals seeking financial protection against uncertainties.

    Need to simplify the current GST Slabs

    • Rationalization Proposal: There is a growing consensus among industry experts and some government officials that the GST structure should be simplified to a maximum of three slabs. 
      • This would not only streamline compliance but also reduce the administrative burden on businesses and the government alike.
    • Economic Stimulus: Simplifying GST rates could potentially stimulate economic activity by lowering indirect tax burdens, encouraging consumption, and ultimately leading to higher tax revenues.

    Why are states resisting?

    • Fear of Revenue Loss: Many states are apprehensive about the implications of changing the GST structure, fearing that it might lead to a decrease in their revenue streams.
    • Political Considerations: The political landscape also plays a role in the resistance to change. With upcoming elections and the need to maintain fiscal health, state governments may prioritize short-term revenue stability over long-term structural reforms.

    Way forward: 

    • Phased Implementation: Start by introducing pilot programs in select states or sectors to test the impact of GST simplification. This approach can help address specific concerns and refine the model before a nationwide rollout.
    • Revenue Protection Schemes: Develop robust mechanisms to compensate states for any potential revenue losses during the transition. This could involve a formula-based compensation fund or a temporary revenue guarantee.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Explain the rationale behind the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Act of 2017. How has COVID-19 impacted the GST compensation fund and created new federal tensions? (2020)

  • The road to 2047 for Indian agriculture   

    Why in the News?

    India’s 100th independence anniversary in 2047 is approaching, and the goal to become ‘a developed nation’ has a significant focus.

    Goals of Indian Agriculture by Vision 2047:

    • Comprehensive Goal: India’s centennial year of independence requires a six-fold increase in per capita Gross National Income (GNI), emphasizing the need for comprehensive development, especially in agriculture.
    • Trade Goal: India’s agricultural and processed food exports have gone up to more than USD 50 billion in 2022-23.
      • The Vision 2047 aims to improve the availability of nutritious foods by enhancing the processing of fruits and vegetables, and augment the proportion of value-added products in India’s export portfolio.
    • Sustainable Goal: Transforming Indian agriculture will hinge on adopting sustainable practices such as precision farming, genetically modified crops, and advanced irrigation techniques (e.g., drip and sprinkler systems).

    Present starking Imbalance in the Indian Economy

    • Workforce vs. GDP Contribution: Despite agriculture engaging nearly 46% of the workforce, it contributes only about 18% to the GDP, revealing a significant imbalance.
    • Growth Disparity: While the overall GDP has grown at 6.1% annually since 1991-92, agricultural GDP has lagged at 3.3%. In the last decade (2013- 2023), overall GDP growth was 5.9%, with agriculture growing at 3.6%, which is insufficient for the sector’s socio-economic importance.
    • Future Projections: By 2047, agriculture’s share in GDP might shrink to 7%-8%, but it could still employ over 30% of the workforce, necessitating significant structural changes to avoid exacerbating the disparity.

    Government Initiatives:

    • For Water Management: The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has promoted water-use efficiency through micro-irrigation, covering 78 lakh hectares with a ₹93,068 crore allocation for 2021-26.
    • For Risk Management: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) offers financial assistance for crop losses, with 49.5 crore farmers enrolled and claims totalling over ₹1.45 lakh crore.
    • For Market Access: The Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM) integrates existing markets through an electronic platform, benefiting 1.76 million farmers and recording trade worth ₹2.88 lakh crore by September 2023.
    • For better Farmer Support: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, disbursing ₹6,000 annually to farmers, has benefited over 11.8 crore farmers.
    • For enhanced Soil Health: The Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme aims to optimize soil nutrient use, enhancing productivity, with over 23 crore SHCs distributed.

    Need for Strategic Planning

    • Population Growth: India’s population is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030 and 1.59 billion by 2040, increasing the demand for food by approximately 2.85% annually.
    • Future Demand: By 2047-48, food grain demand is projected to range from 402 million tonnes to 437 million tonnes, requiring sustainable production exceeding demand by 10%-13% under the Business-As-Usual scenario.

    Way Forward: 

    • Investment in R&D: To meet future demands sustainably, significant investments in agricultural research, infrastructure, and policy support are necessary.
    • Budget Allocation: The Budget for 2024-25 includes ₹20 lakh crore for targeted agricultural credit and the launch of the Agriculture Accelerator Fund, highlighting a proactive approach to fostering agricultural innovation and growth.
    • Enhance Digital Infrastructure: Support and expand digital platforms like eNAM to improve market access, provide real-time data, and facilitate better price realization for farmers.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Give the vulnerability of inidan agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). (2016)

  • Polaris Dawn Mission: A Private Space Endeavor

    Why in the News?

    Polaris Dawn is set to be the first privately-funded mission to conduct a spacewalk, aiming to reach an altitude of about 700 kilometers above Earth, the highest altitude for a human space mission to date.

    What is Polaris Dawn Mission?

    • Polaris Dawn is a privately-funded space mission led by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, in collaboration with SpaceX.
    • It is set to be the first non-government mission to conduct a spacewalk.
    • This 700km altitude will surpass the current record held by NASA’s Gemini 11 mission in 1966.
    • The mission will test new spacesuits designed by SpaceX to protect astronauts from high radiation levels encountered in the Van Allen Belts.

    What are the Van Allen Belts?

    • The Van Allen Belts are two zones of charged particles that surround Earth, held in the magnetosphere.
    • These belts were discovered in 1958 by American physicist James Van Allen.
    1. Inner Belt: This belt is located approximately 680 to 3,000 km above Earth’s surface and is primarily composed of high-energy protons. It is formed by cosmic rays interacting with Earth’s atmosphere.
    2. Outer Belt: Located about 15,000 to 20,000 km above Earth’s surface, the outer belt mainly consists of high-energy electrons captured from solar wind.

    Why are the Van Allen Belts dangerous for Humans?

    • The Van Allen Belts are dangerous for humans because they contain high levels of radiation that can pose significant health risks to astronauts.
    • The belts are filled with charged particles that can cause radiation sickness, damage human tissues, and increase the risk of cancer. 

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

    1. Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
    2. Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
    3. Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 1 and 3 only
    (c) 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • A look at ongoing Indian Space Missions

    Why in the News?

    Since Chandrayaan 3’s successful moon landing on August 23, 2023 and its declaration of National Space Day, ISRO has remained highly active with several key missions, despite a quieter phase at Sriharikota.

    Key Missions and Milestones:

    Details Date
    Chandrayaan 3
    • Successful Moon landing by Vikram lander.
    • August 23 declared as India’s National Space Day.
    		 August 23, 2023
    Aditya L1
    • Solar science mission to study the Sun.
    • Reached Earth-Sun L1 point on January 6, 2024.
    • Studied solar storm in May 2024.
    		 Launched: September 2, 2023
    L1 Orbit: January 6, 2024
    Gaganyaan TV-D1
    • First abort mission for Gaganyaan program.
    • Tested Crew Escape System (CES); crew module recovered by INS Shakthi.
    		 October 21, 2023
    XPoSat
    • X-ray Polarimeter Satellite to study radiation polarization.
    • Second such space observatory after NASA’s IPEX.
    		 Launched: January 1, 2024
    INSAT-3DS
    • Meteorological satellite launched to support GSLV credibility for NISAR mission.
    • Enhances weather forecasting capabilities.
    		 Launched: February 17, 2024
    RLV-TD (Pushpak)
    • Reusable Launch Vehicle tests (LEX-02 and LEX-03) conducted.
    • Simulated landing conditions for future Orbital Return Flight.
    		 LEX-02: March 22, 2024
    LEX-03: June 7, 2024
    SSLV
    • Final development flight of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
    • Successfully placed EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat in orbit.
    		 August 16, 2024
    ISRO Roadmaps
    • 25-year roadmap until 2047.
    • Plans for crewed lunar missions, sample-return missions, and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035.
    		 Announced: December 2023
    Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)
      • New 3-stage launch vehicle under development to replace GSLV.
    • Powered by semi-cryogenic, liquid, and cryogenic engines.
    • Project report submitted to Union Cabinet.
    		 Project report submitted: February 2024
    NSIL Missions
    • Agreement with SpaceX for GSAT-20/GSAT-N2 launch.
    • SSLV launch service agreement with an Australian company.
    		 2024
    Private Space Missions
    • Agnikul Cosmos launched SoRTeD-01, first semi-cryogenic engine vehicle from Indian soil.
    • Skyroot and Dhruva Space progressing with tests and launches.
    		 2024
    IN-SPACe Initiatives
    • Released ‘Norms, Guidelines, and Procedures for Authorisation of Space Activities’.
    • Granted first satellite broadband license to Eutelsat
    • OneWeb and first ground station service license to Dhruva Space.
    • 100 % Direct FDI policy.
    		 2024

  • Why has Malaysia tweaked its ‘Orangutan Diplomacy’?

    Why in the News?

    Malaysia, after initially introducing its version of soft power called “Orangutan Diplomacy” following China’s successful “panda diplomacy,” has now reversed its decision.

    What is Orangutan Diplomacy?

    • It is a Malaysian strategy that seeks to use orangutan conservation as a tool of soft power, inspired by China’s “panda diplomacy.”
    • It had first announced plans to gift orangutans (IUCN Status: Critically Endangered) to palm oil-buying countries.
    • It engages other countries in conservation efforts, focusing on symbolic adoptions rather than sending animals abroad.
    • Reasons behind:
      • Palm Oil Industry Criticism: Malaysia faces criticism for deforestation due to palm oil plantations, threatening orangutans.
      • Enhance Image: It aims to counter negative perceptions and showcase commitment to sustainability and position Malaysia as a leader in wildlife protection.
      • Global Cooperation: It seeks to strengthen ties with major palm oil importers like China, India, and the EU through conservation partnerships.

    Criticisms:

    • Habitat Concerns: Critics argue real conservation requires protecting habitats, not just symbolic actions.
    • Comparisons to Panda Diplomacy: Malaysia’s effort lacks the infrastructure and commitment seen in China’s panda conservation.

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to ‘palm oil’, consider the following statements :​

    1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.​

    2. The palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes.​

    3. The palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel.​

    Which of the statements given above are correct?​

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Imports weaken Indian pharma

    Why in the News?

    • The government has introduced two import-based initiatives to meet domestic needs, which could potentially dampen the growth of the domestic industry.
    • New medicines are generally under patent protection, preventing Indian companies from producing affordable generics/biosimilars.

    Impact of two initiatives on Domestic Industry:

    • Global Tendering for 120 Medicines: The Department of Expenditure (DoE) allowed the Ministry of Health to buy 120 medicines, including popular anti-diabetes and anti-cancer drugs, through global tenders for government programs. This decision, which specifies certain brands for over 40 of these medicines, could increase the monopoly of foreign companies in India.
    • Customs Duty Removal on Cancer Medicines: The 2024-25 Union Budget proposed removing the 10-12% customs duty on three cancer medicines marketed by AstraZeneca. While intended to reduce prices, this measure is unlikely to significantly lower costs and may instead increase reliance on imports, further disadvantaging domestic producers.

    Status of Indian Pharma

    • India is a leading manufacturer of vaccines, accounting for 60% of global production.
    • India supplies 70% of vaccines used by the WHO.
    • India is a major exporter of generic drugs, accounting for 20% of global exports.
    • The industry is expected to grow to over $130 billion by 2030.

    What are Biosimilar guidelines?

    • Biosimilar guidelines in India are regulatory frameworks established by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to govern the development, approval, and marketing of biosimilars.
    • Biosimilars are biologic medical products that are highly similar to an already approved original biologic (known as the reference product), with no clinically meaningful differences in terms of safety, purity, and potency.

    Status Biosimilars: 

    • Significant Market Size: The biosimilar market in India is valued at approximately $2.2 billion, and it is projected to reach $40 billion by 2030. This growth is driven by the expiration of patents for several key biologics, which opens the door for biosimilar development.
    • Product Approvals: As of now, over 70 biosimilars have been approved in India, covering a range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. Notable examples include:
      • Adalimumab (for rheumatoid arthritis)
      • Trastuzumab (for breast cancer)
      • Filgrastim (for neutropenia)
      • Insulin glargine (for diabetes)

    Outdated Biosimilar Guidelines in India:

    • Obsolete and Resource-Intensive:
      • India’s biosimilar guidelines are outdated, requiring mandatory animal studies, which are no longer necessary in developed countries like the U.S. and EU with stringent regulatory standards.
      • The guidelines also mandate clinical trials, while WHO and U.K. guidelines treat clinical trials as an exception rather than a rule.
    • Barrier for Domestic Producers:
      • The stringent requirements for animal studies and mandatory clinical trials create significant barriers for Indian producers, making it difficult for them to compete with their global counterparts.
    • Impact on Patient Access:
      • According to the International Generic and Biosimilar Medicines Association, eliminating these duplicative requirements could lead to significant savings in time and resources, ultimately improving patient access to affordable biosimilars.

    Way forward: 

    • Update Regulatory Guidelines: Modernize India’s biosimilar guidelines by removing unnecessary requirements like mandatory animal studies and clinical trials, aligning them with global standards to reduce barriers for domestic producers.
    • Support Local Production: Utilize provisions in the Patents Act to promote domestic manufacturing of affordable medicines, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening the local pharmaceutical industry.

  • What is Tera Hertz Spectrum?

    Why in the News?

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its recommendations on the Tera Hertz Spectrum.

    About Tera Hertz (THz) Spectrum

    • The THz Spectrum refers to a range of electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 100 GHz (gigahertz) and 10 THz (terahertz). 
      • This spectrum lies between microwaves and infrared light.
      • It is known as the “THz gap” because it has been less explored compared to other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
    • Key Features:
      • Unique Properties: THz waves can pass through many materials like clothing, paper, and wood but are absorbed by water and metals.
      • Applications: Used for advanced technologies like imaging, communications, and spectroscopy.
      • Potential Uses: Security scanning, medical imaging, and high-speed wireless communication.

    Impact of recent recommendation:

    • THEA will encourage innovation in Tera Hertz technologies, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
    • The opening of specific frequency bands will boost the development and deployment of next-generation wireless technologies and automotive safety systems in India.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct?

    1. VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780 nm.

    2. VLC is known as long-range optical wireless communication.

    3. VLC can transmit large amounts of data faster than Bluetooth.

    4. VLC has no electromagnetic interference.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 1, 2 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 2, 3 and 4 only

  • Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards, 2024

    Why in the News?

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor has been awarded an “A+” rating for the second consecutive year in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2024.

    About the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards

    • The Central Banker Report Cards are published annually by Global Finance, a magazine that has been grading central bank governors since 1994.
    • The report grades the central bank governors of nearly 100 countries, territories, and districts, including major institutions like the European Union, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Bank of Central African States, and the Central Bank of West African States.
    • Grading Scale:
      • The ratings range from “A+” for excellent performance to “F” for outright failure.
      • The grades assess success in key areas such as inflation control, economic growth, currency stability, and interest rate management.

    Significance 

    • This recognition highlights his exceptional performance in managing India’s monetary policy, particularly in areas such as inflation control, economic growth, currency stability, and interest rate management.

    PYQ:

    [2016] ‘Global Financial Stability Report’ is released by which organisation?

    (a) European Central Bank

    (b) International Monetary Fund

    (c) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

    (d) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

  • WHO investigating new Polio strain in Meghalaya

    Why in the News?

    The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating a suspected new strain of polio in a two-year-old child from Tikrikilla, Meghalaya.

    What is Vaccine-Derived Polio?

    • The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) contains a weakened form of the poliovirus that activates an immune response in the body.
    • The vaccine-virus is excreted after vaccination and can circulate in the environment.
    • In rare cases, if the population is under-immunized, the excreted virus can mutate over time and revert to a form capable of causing paralysis.
    • This mutated virus is known as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV).

    About Polio:

    Details
    Nature of Disease Crippling and potentially deadly viral infectious disease affecting the nervous system.
    Types of Poliovirus – WPV1 (Wild Poliovirus type 1)
    – WPV2 (Wild Poliovirus type 2, eradicated globally)
    – WPV3 (Wild Poliovirus type 3, eradicated globally)
    Current Status WPV1 remains in circulation in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
    Transmission Primarily through the faecal-oral route or contaminated water/food.
    Affected Population Largely affects children under 5 years of age.
    Impact Virus multiplies in the intestine, may invade the nervous system, causing paralysis.
    Prevention – No Cure: Preventable through immunization.
    – Vaccines:
    – OPV: Oral Polio Vaccine given at birth, with doses at 6, 10, 14 weeks, and a booster at 16-24 months.
    – IPV: Injectable Polio Vaccine given with the 3rd dose of DPT under UIP.
    India’s Status
    • Pulse Polio Immunization Initiative (1995)
    • Declared polio-free by WHO in 2014, with the last wild poliovirus case reported in 2011.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] ‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to:

    (a) immunization of children and pregnant women

    (b) construction of smart cities across the country

    (c) India’s own search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

    (d) New Educational Policy

  • A ground plan for sustainable mass employment 

    Why in the News?

    The ambitious ₹2 lakh crore employment package aims to create 4.1 crore jobs, but evidence shows low wages and short-term skill programs hinder long-term sustainability.

    Low wages and short-term skill programs hinder long-term sustainability:

    • Low Wages Lead to Economic Insecurity: Low wages create economic insecurity for workers, making it difficult for them to meet basic needs. For instance, in the garment industry, there is a 48.5% gap between minimum wages and living wages in major garment-producing countries.
    • Short-Term Skill Programs Fail to Enhance Employability: Many short-term skill programs do not provide the depth of training needed for long-term employability. In India, for example, 75% of technical graduates and 90% of other graduates are considered unemployable, primarily due to a lack of practical skills and experience that employers seek.
    • Stagnation of Workforce Productivity: When workers are paid low wages, there is little incentive for them to enhance their skills or productivity. This stagnation is detrimental to both individual career growth and overall economic development.
    • Lack of Investment in Long-Term Skill Development: Low wages often correlate with limited investment in employee training and development.This is evident in the fact that only 15% of those trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) found jobs, indicating that short-term training initiatives are not effectively translating into sustainable employment outcomes.
    • Perpetuation of Poverty and Inequality: The combination of low wages and inadequate skill development contributes to the perpetuation of poverty and inequality. With 42% of the global workforce in vulnerable employment.

    12-point policy initiatives for sustainable mass employment:

    • Identify the skill need: Begin from below through decentralized community action to identify skilling needs. Create a register of those wanting employment/self-employment and a plan for every youth in partnership with professionals at the cluster level.
    • Initiative at the local level: Converge initiatives for education, health, skills, nutrition, livelihoods, and employment at the local government level with women’s collectives to ensure community accountability and effective outcomes.
    • Vocational programmes: Introduce need-based vocational courses/certificate programmes alongside undergraduate programmes in every college to improve employability.
    • Healthcare at international benchmark: Standardize nursing and allied health-care professional courses according to international benchmarks to meet the demand for skilled professionals.
    • Women security: Create community cadres of caregivers to run crèches universally so that women can work without fear.
    • Invest in skill development: Invest in ITIs, and polytechnics as hubs in skill development for feeder schools with a focus on States/districts with the least institutional structure for vocational education.
    • Startup skills in high school: Introduce enterprise and start-up skills through professionals in high schools to impart finishing skills to students.
    • Apprenticeship program in Industry: Have a co-sharing model of apprenticeships (combine practical training in a job with study) with the industry on scale to ensure the industry has a stake in the apprenticeship program.
    • Absorption of youth at the workplace: Apprenticeships on the scale can facilitate the absorption of youth in the workplace, with the government’s condition for employer subsidies being wages of dignity on successful completion of the apprenticeship.
    • Capital oan for women: Streamline working capital loans for women-led enterprises/first-generation enterprises to enable them to go to scale.
    • Skill accreditation programme: Start a universal skill accreditation programme for skill-providing institutions, with candidates co-sponsored by the state and employers.
    • Majority of fund in water scares block: Use 70% funds under MGNREGA in 2,500 water-scarce blocks and blocks with high deprivation, with a thrust on the poorest 20 families and a focus on skills for higher productivity.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Industry-Academia Linkages: Enhance collaboration between educational institutions, industry, and vocational training centers to align curricula with industry needs, ensuring employability through internships, apprenticeships, and job placements.
    • Focus on Inclusive Skill Development: Prioritize investment in underdeveloped regions and marginalized groups by expanding access to quality education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship opportunities, especially for women and youth, to bridge the skill gap and promote economic inclusion.