India today faces an unprecedented skilling and unemployment crisis, with severe implications for economic growth and prosperity. The country faces a dual challenge of a severe shortage of skilled workforce in industries on the one hand and high youth unemployment on the other, highlighting a substantial mismatch between the demand and supply for skills in the labour market.
“In India, the skill gap in the labour force is a significant challenge, with only about 51.25 per cent of the youth deemed employable due to a lack of necessary skills. This issue is exacerbated by the country’s diverse socio-economic conditions, particularly affecting those in rural areas and from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who lack access to quality education and training. This situation not only perpetuates cycles of poverty but also aggravates wage inequality. The problem is compounded by inadequate emphasis on developing non-technical skills such as communication, critical thinking, and leadership, which are increasingly in demand. The absence of these skills from the curriculum of most educational institutes stimulates employers to choose candidates only from a handful of premier institutes. Additionally, there is a significant mismatch between the skills taught and those required by employers, leading to unemployment even among the formally educated.”
(Source: Observer Research Foundation Report April 2024)
Launched in 2004, Udayan Care’s Information Technology Program brings technology closer to underserved communities, enhancing their livelihood opportunities. The program elevates computer literacy among youth, helping them navigate an increasingly digital world. Skill training is provided through IT Training Centers near densely populated slum areas lacking access to learning and livelihood skills.
The centres offer two streams: Digital Literacy Skills and Job-specific Skills. Digital Literacy courses are open to all—children, women, and youth. Job-specific courses are available to those who have completed their schooling. These courses reflect industry needs, enabling students to become job-ready.
The centers also offer placement opportunities. An active placement cell forges alliances with MSMEs and corporate houses to place students, and job fairs are held for students from all centers to participate in interviews.
The program emphasizes holistic development, including soft skills training, English speaking, financial literacy, personality development, and mentoring to prepare youth for the professional world. Teaching youth to ‘give back’ to society is a key aspect of student development.
Strategically located Skilling Centres are easily accessible to the communities they serve. They also offer ‘citizenship entitlement’ services, helping residents apply for or update government IDs and access welfare schemes, building credibility and mobilizing students.
Since 2022, 20 centres have been empanelled with the National Skill Development Council (NSDC) under the non-funded partnership scheme, offering NSDC-approved courses in IT/ITES, Telecom, and BFSI. Students receive NSDC certification, which enhances their job prospects. From 2025-26, the program will add Green Skills to its portfolio of courses being offered to underserved communities.
Since 2018, the program has an active alumni network, leveraging time, resources, and networks to its advantage. Since its inception, 26 IT Centres across five states have equipped over 38,000 students in Delhi & NCR, Gujarat, and Telangana with the skills for self-reliance. 