In India, more than 2 million people migrate from rural areas and small towns to cities in search of a better life every year.
In 1951, 17 per cent of the population was urban, and by 2025, it is expected to reach 42.5 per cent. Several cities have grown to become megacities and as of 2014, India has four: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru. These are cities with a population of more than 10 million people each, and India will gain more megacities over the next decade. The lack of market relevant skills often leads the migrant population to settle for low-paid jobs in these cities.
Only 5 per cent of the 250 million people entering the workforce over the next decade are expected to receive formal vocational training. There is a huge gap between the demand and the availability of young talent. More than 90 per cent of the young population in India works in the informal sector and the youngsters learn on the job without any structured training process. With the growth of urbanization, it is critical to take responsibility for bridging this massive gap between demand and supply through suitable skill development and vocational training programs.
The net proceeds from this book will be donated to the cause of skill development and vocational training programs that will help in bridging this gap, and will be donated through Har Asha Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides support to youth in this sector.