New Delhi: Requesting Indian industry to partner in skill development, Hon’ble Mr Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister, Delhi, called for their participation in improving infrastructure and standards in Delhi Government schools. The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at the Annual Regional Meeting of CII Northern Region on ‘Building A Competitive North’ here today.
Mr Sisodia emphasised on skill development, with particular focus on employability. The curriculum should be made relevant for students, he added. “I suggest the industry to come forward and interact with the government-run training centres to convey their skill requirements so as to fulfill the needs of the industry,” he stated.
He also invited CII to work with the Delhi government on skill development specially in designing courses. A focus on skill development will go a long way in bringing about a positive change, he felt.
Elaborating on the discharge of Delhi Government’s national responsibilities, he said the Delhi government has reduced the tax on air fuel to 1% from the existing rate of 25% in the state Budget presented earlier this month which will help small towns to connect with the national capital.
Dr Naushad Forbes, President, CII, said that competitiveness is the key to meeting development imperatives and competitiveness drivers must be collectively strengthened at all levels of the economy. He added, “Comparative advantage is the essence of competitiveness. This can be strengthened by investing in skill development and education to build human capital,” he added.
The true spirit of competitive federalism leading to streamlining of policies & processes and creation of a conducive environment for investment and growth can go a long way in transforming the economies of Delhi and other Northern States, said Mrs Rumjhum Chatterjee, Chairperson, CII Northern Region.
Mr Sumant Sinha, Deputy Chairman, CII Northern Region, opined that Northern States need to be more aggressive to leverage their resource base and attract investments in specific sectors where they enjoy strategic advantages such as the food processing and agriculture, solar and hydro power, textile, infrastructure and skilled workforce; business-friendly rules for businesses and institutional framework; innovation, R&D and technology which are other existing strengths. If leveraged efficiently, these sectors would be instrumental in ‘Building A Competitive North’, he felt.