Why Unemployment? The Importance of Skill-Based Education

In India, the definition of literacy, as per the census, is limited to the ability to read and write with understanding in any language. This narrow definition fails to address the broader spectrum of skills needed to thrive in today's job market. Reading and writing alone do not equip individuals with the practical abilities demanded by employers.

We boast a literacy rate of 74.04 percent according to recent census data. But here's the catch: just being able to read and write isn't enough to land a job. Despite this basic literacy, many people still struggle to find employment. Why? The missing link lies in the difference between literacy and having practical skills.

The problem stems from our narrow definition of literacy. Currently, being literate means being able to read and write with understanding in any language. However, this definition falls short of what's needed in today's job market. Employers are looking for more than just basic literacy—they want candidates with practical skills that can immediately contribute to their businesses.

The root of the issue lies in our education system's focus—or lack thereof—on skill development and quality education. Too often, education is seen as a means to collect degrees and certifications rather than gaining real-world skills. But in a competitive job market, having a degree on paper doesn't always translate to being job-ready.

It's time for a change in mindset. Instead of solely chasing academic qualifications, young people need to prioritize developing practical skills. Whether it's learning coding, mastering a trade, or honing entrepreneurial skills, these abilities are what truly make candidates stand out to employers.

However, it's not just the government's responsibility to address this issue. While policymakers should invest in skill development initiatives, individuals also need to take ownership of their own learning journey. Rather than solely focusing on getting a job, we should prioritize acquiring skills that make us valuable in the workforce.

There are numerous mass protests to get government jobs, and reservations but not a single mass protest is there to get quality education. That's where we fail as a common mass. How will we get quality education & become future ready when we are not even talking about it?

We are comparing ourselves with the USA but no politician or leader talks about it. Literacy in the United States encompasses more than just basic reading and writing skills. Prose literacy, document literacy, and quantitative literacy are also important components. Prose literacy refers to the ability to understand and use information from various types of texts, such as novels, newspapers, and websites. Document literacy involves understanding and using information from various documents, such as forms, graphs, and charts. Quantitative literacy involves the ability to understand and apply numerical information in real-life situations.

Many educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations in the United States work to enhance literacy skills among the population through various programs, initiatives, and policies. But we are not even recognizing it.

The NAAL measured adults’ ability to perform everyday literacy tasks  including:

• Prose Literacy—the knowledge and skills to search, comprehend, and use continuous texts (e.g. editorials, news stories, brochures, and instructional materials).

• Document Literacy—the knowledge and skills to search, comprehend, and use non-continuous texts in various formats (e.g.  job applications, payroll forms, transportation schedules, maps, tables, and drug or food labels).

• Quantitative Literacy—The knowledge and skills to identify and perform computations using numbers embedded in printed materials (e.g. balancing a checkbook, calculating a tip, etc.)

Despite the clamour for employment opportunities and government jobs, we need to recognize the importance of quality education. By shifting our focus towards skill-based learning and continuous improvement, we can empower individuals to thrive in today's competitive job market.

In summary, closing the gap between literacy and employability requires a shift in perspective. We need to move away from a narrow definition of education and embrace skill-based learning as a pathway to success. Only then can we equip individuals with the tools they need to secure meaningful employment and contribute to the country's growth.