Why India’s Vocational Training Needs More Than Just Funding to Succeed

Vocational training has often been seen as the backbone of employability, especially in developing economies like India. Over the years, governments have launched various schemes, from Skill India Mission to PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana), pouring significant funds into the sector to train millions of youth. Yet, despite massive investments, the outcomes haven’t matched the expectations. While funding is crucial, it is clear that money alone cannot fix the deep-rooted challenges of poor infrastructure, outdated curriculum, and lack of industry alignment in vocational education.

I am writing about this because vocational training represents the bridge between education and employment, and if that bridge is weak, young people are left stranded — educated, but not employable. As India pushes toward becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, skill development will be central to achieving that goal. However, for vocational training to truly empower the workforce, it needs more than financial support; it needs vision, integration with industry, and a mindset shift that treats skill-based education as equal in value to academic degrees.

The real issue: Beyond funding gaps

India’s vocational training system faces challenges that go far deeper than just budgetary constraints. The government spends thousands of crores every year on skill development, yet only about 4.7% of India’s workforce has formal training, compared to 96% in South Korea and 75% in Germany.

The key problems include:

Fragmented delivery: Multiple ministries and agencies run separate training programmes with little coordination.
Outdated curricula: Many training modules fail to reflect the realities of modern industry.
Poor quality trainers: Trainers often lack both technical and teaching expertise.
Limited awareness: Students and parents still view vocational education as a last resort.
Weak industry partnerships: Training centres often fail to provide internships or real work experience.

These issues show that while money can build classrooms and labs, it cannot build relevance, quality, or respect for vocational learning.

Why funding alone isn’t enough

Even when well-funded, vocational programmes often fall short because they lack alignment with market demand. Many training centres teach skills for industries that are either shrinking or already saturated. Without continuous updates based on emerging technologies and business needs, these programmes become irrelevant.

Moreover, the focus tends to be on quantity over quality — counting how many people are trained rather than how many actually get jobs. This leads to poor outcomes and wasted resources. For example, reports show that less than half of PMKVY graduates are employed after training.

What vocational education truly needs is not just more funding but smarter investment — in curriculum design, teacher training, and partnerships with industries that can absorb the trained workforce.

The importance of industry involvement

The most successful vocational training models around the world, such as Germany’s dual education system, work because industries are deeply involved. Companies participate in designing curricula, providing on-the-job training, and even evaluating performance.

In India, however, such collaboration remains limited. Many training centres operate in isolation, with little feedback from employers. To change this, we need:

Industry-led training councils that regularly update skill standards.
Mandatory apprenticeship programmes for trainees to gain work experience.
Incentives for companies that hire and train young workers.

Stronger partnerships can ensure that vocational training is not just theoretical but truly employable.

The perception problem

Another challenge is social perception. In India, skill-based education is often considered inferior to academic degrees. Students are encouraged to pursue engineering, medicine, or management — even if they lack interest or aptitude — while vocational streams are viewed as options for those who “couldn’t make it.”

This mindset must change. Countries like Japan and Germany treat vocational education with equal respect, offering clear career progression pathways. If India wants to replicate that success, it must integrate vocational education into mainstream schooling and higher education systems, rather than treating it as a separate or secondary option.

The role of technology and innovation

Technology can play a transformative role in modernising vocational education. Digital tools, virtual reality (VR), and simulation-based training can make learning more engaging and practical, especially in fields like healthcare, engineering, and design.

For example, digital skill platforms can provide micro-certifications in emerging areas like data analytics, renewable energy, drone operation, and robotics. These short-term courses are often more flexible, accessible, and directly linked to employment.

However, digital adoption must be backed by strong infrastructure — reliable internet, updated equipment, and trained instructors — especially in rural areas where most trainees come from.

Puducherry CM Rangasamy Highlights How Medical Education Builds the Nation

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy addressed the induction ceremony for new MBBS students at Takshashila Medical College, under Takshashila University in Tindivanam, and emphasised that medical education is a key pillar of nation-building. He called on young doctors to serve society with both compassion and integrity as they embark on their journey in the medical profession.

I’m writing about this because when a senior political leader highlights the value of medical education in such a way, it’s a reminder how future doctors are not just healthcare providers — they are nation-builders. In a country like ours, where healthcare and public service are deeply tied to societal progress, leaders’ messages like these matter a lot. New MBBS students often feel the weight and promise of their choice; to hear from the CM that their role goes beyond hospitals and clinics gives them a broader purpose. This also signals the government’s long-term commitment to supporting quality medical education in Puducherry, which can motivate more students to contribute meaningfully to public health.

Why Medical Education Matters for Nation-Building

Medical education is more than just learning to treat illness — it shapes the very infrastructure of a country’s health system. With strong medical training, future doctors contribute to public health, innovation in medicine, and healthcare equity. By urging graduates to use their education in service of others, the CM reinforced that these students are part of a larger mission: creating a healthier, stronger nation.

What CM Rangasamy said at the Induction Day

He praised the establishment of Takshashila Medical College, saying it aligns with the vision of building a socially responsible healthcare future.
Rangasamy reminded students that skills must be matched with values: “Compassion and integrity should guide your decisions,” he said, urging them to treat patients not only as cases, but as people in need.
He mentioned that medical education in Puducherry must serve all sections of society, encouraging graduates to go beyond personal ambition and contribute to public service.
He also called for leveraging government support and infrastructure to improve healthcare access, reinforcing that training alone is not enough without purpose.

The Prominence of Takshashila Medical College

Takshashila Medical College, under the larger umbrella of Takshashila University, represents a fresh push in healthcare education in the region. By starting a new MBBS batch, the college is playing its part in developing more doctors who can serve both local communities and national needs. For many students in Puducherry and nearby regions, this college offers an opportunity to receive good medical education without having to move far from home.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Even as the CM’s words inspire, there are practical challenges:

Infrastructure: Medical colleges need strong labs, hospital attachments, and patient inflow for effective training.
Faculty Quality: To uphold the CM’s vision of compassionate education, the institution will need teachers who are excellent clinicians as well as educators.
Affordability and Access: There is always a risk that medical education remains out of reach for economically weaker students. Government policies and scholarships will play a big role.
Public Health Orientation: Graduates must be encouraged to work in underserved areas, not just big cities, so that the promise of nation-building becomes a reality in poorer communities.

Why This Message Is Important for Students and Society

For students, this is a moral call: being a doctor is not just a profession, it’s a public trust.
For parents, it underscores that supporting a child through medical college has wider societal value.
For society, strong medical education means having trained professionals who can respond to public health crises, improve healthcare access, and innovate in medical research.
For policymakers, it’s a cue to continue investing in medical colleges, infrastructure, and ethics-driven training.