Can local skills change lives?

In Barmer, Rajasthan, over 300 rural women trained in handloom weaving now supply fabrics to national brands, earning stable incomes and dignity. Their success shows the power of local skilling. What if Rajasthan's entire workforce could be similarly empowered to meet industry demand?

- Pradeep S Mehta Secretary General of CUTS International Madhvendra S Panwar International Relations, CUTS

Rajasthan's economy is expanding in sectors like textiles, tourism, mining, and renewable energy. Yet nearly 45% of the workforce in gems and jewelary, textiles construction and mining comes from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal as per a report of the Labour Bureau published in 2022. This heavy reliance on migrant labour exposes a local skills gap.

Training locals ensures that wages remain within Rajasthan, stimulating local consumption and boosting rural economies. A study by the Institute for Human Development shows that every ₹1 lakh earned and spent locally generates a multiplier effect of ₹2.5 lakh. This enhances income stability and community resilience.

Thousands of youth migrate from Rajasthan to cities like Mumbai or Delhi for informal jobs. With skill training at home, they can access formal jobs without leaving their families. This curbs urban migration and supports local development.

Key sectors are hungry for skilled labor. Rajasthan contributes over 25% of India's solar energy, requiring trained technicians for operations and maintenance. The textile and garment sector, with ₹10,000 crore in exports (2023-24), needs skilled operators, designers, and quality checkers.