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“ASDC is Committed to Address Unemployment Among Youths of India”

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The Indian Automotive Industry is recognized as one of the largest and fastest growing in the world  and it has emerged as a ‘sunrise sector’ in our economy.  The domestic automobile market, the third largest in the world, contributes around 7.1% to the country’s GDP and is expected to increase this share to 12 per cent by 2026. The industry accounts for over 8% of India’s total exports. As per statistics India has become a preferred location for manufacturing automotive components and vehicles and the automotive segment contributes over 43% of the manufacturing GDP.  This sector has attracted cumulative equity foreign investment of US$ 35.40 billion in the last three years. According to latest reports India’s auto industry is worth more than US$110 and it employs 37 million people. However, there is an increasing scarcity of skilled workers in the industry which is hindering its expected growth rate. To address the scarcity of skilled workforce the captains of the sector, with the firm support of the Ministry of Skill Development And Entrepreneurship formed Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC). In an exclusive interview to our Editor Suresh Unnithan, the Council’s CEO Arindam Lahiri details the mission and vision of Automotive Skill Development Council. Excerpts:

ASDC is designed to provide skills in automotive-related jobs. What is the effectiveness of the council in terms of providing a skilled workforce to the industry?

The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), as the first sector skill council dedicated to the automobile industry, has been instrumental in bridging the skill gap between academic training and industry requirements. Since its inception in 2011, ASDC has certified over 2.0 million candidates across various automotive job roles under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) framework. The council works closely with industry stakeholders, training partners, and academia to ensure that the skill programs align with technological advancements such as Electric Vehicles, Automation, robotics, AI-driven manufacturing, and connected mobility.

 Our skill initiatives ensure that industry-ready candidates can contribute directly to productivity, efficiency, and quality in the automotive sector, addressing both the demand for skilled labor and improving the overall competitiveness of the industry.

The country is struggling to deal with the mounting unemployment problems.  Almost 45% of youth between 20-25 years of age are reported jobless. Does the Council have any  specific plan of action to address this grave concern?

 ASDC is actively working to address unemployment among youth through targeted skill-based training programs and industry partnerships. We have introduced short-term courses that focus on high-demand roles like automotive mechanics, EV service technicians, robotics operators, and digital vehicle diagnostics. Programs are aligned with industry 4.0 technologies to prepare the workforce for the evolving job market.

Additionally, ASDC collaborates with automotive manufacturers, component suppliers, and dealership networks to create employment-ready candidates through on-the-job training (OJT) and apprenticeships. We are also integrating soft skills and entrepreneurial training to ensure holistic development.

 By working in tandem with government initiatives, ASDC aims to provide more employment opportunities and reduce the jobless rate for youth, particularly in the automotive sector.

About 70% of rural youth in our country are reportedly jobless. Do you have any specific rural-centric skilling program to help the rural youth population? 

Sure, ASDC has implemented several rural-centric skill development programs to empower rural youth. Through collaborations with government schemes like PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana), DDU-GKY (Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana), we are delivering skill training in rural areas to improve employability.

 ASDC has partnered with State Skill Development Missions and automotive companies to conduct mobile skill development camps, bringing training infrastructure directly to remote regions. Our focus includes:

 Basic automotive skills, such as two-wheeler and three-wheeler repair and servicing.

Upskilling Programs for Auto mechanics to address local demands.

Integration of e-learning modules in local languages to enhance accessibility.

These efforts have upskilled thousands of rural youths, providing them opportunities for local employment and self-sustainability.

 Does the council have any scheme for self-employment of rural youths?

 ASDC has articulated specific programs to promote self-employment among rural youth. Our training modules include entrepreneurial skill development for those interested in starting their own automotive repair workshops, spare parts businesses, or vehicle service centers.

 For example, ASDC supports rural candidates through:

 Micro-enterprise facilitation programs for automotive repair and servicing businesses.

Collaboration with financial institutions to provide access to credit for starting businesses.

Training in vehicle maintenance, battery recycling, EV charging station operation, and other emerging business opportunities.

By focusing on self-employment, ASDC enables rural youth to generate livelihoods within their communities while addressing the region’s automotive service demands.

Arindam Lahiri, CEO ASDC

How is your association/coordination with MSME departments for skilling and providing job/self-employment opportunities to the jobless?

ASDC works closely with the MSME sector, which is a key contributor to employment generation in the automotive industry. We have partnered with a number of MSME Technology centres across India to provide skill training to MSME employees.

 ASDC has facilitated programs that provide skilled manpower for MSMEs, enabling them to meet quality standards and adopt advanced technologies. Additionally, ASDC promotes entrepreneurial training to help candidates establish their own businesses and support the MSME ecosystem.

 Through these efforts, ASDC ensures that the MSME sector has access to a competent workforce while creating job and self-employment opportunities for youth.

ASDC is in action for the past 14 years. Kindly give a brief of its achievements in terms of providing jobs and how the Council’s initiatives have been helpful in improving the quality of production/service of the automotive industry.

In its 14 years of operation, ASDC has made remarkable strides in upskilling the automotive workforce and improving industry standards. Key achievements include:

 2.0million+ candidates trained and certified across 150+ automotive job roles.

Launch of Electric Vehicle Technician Programs and other future-ready courses to address industry needs.

Improved employability through collaboration with OEMs, component manufacturers, and dealerships, providing on-the-job and all major placement opportunities.

Contribution to the adoption of advanced technologies, and quality standards through skill programs.

Working on gender diversity in automotive industry

ASDC has played a significant role in boosting productivity, efficiency, and quality within the automotive sector by ensuring that the workforce is well-trained in modern technologies and global practices.

How do you plan to take the Council to the next level of skill? 

ASDC’s vision for the future focuses on integrating cutting-edge technologies and innovative training methods. Key initiatives include:

 Expanding training in Electric Vehicles (EVs), hydrogen fuel technologies, robotics, and AI-based automotive systems.

Developing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)-based simulation at training centres for immersive learning experiences.

Strengthening rural skilling programs by launching mobile training units and digital learning platforms for remote accessibility.

Partnering with global automotive leaders to bring international best practices to India through skill competition and hackathons.

ASDC’s mission is to create a world-class automotive workforce that drives the industry’s growth while addressing employment challenges in rural and urban regions.

Does ASDC have any specific skilling program for women and physically/mentally challenged?

 Yes, ASDC is committed to promoting inclusive skill development through programs specifically designed for women and persons with disabilities (ScPwDs).

 For women, ASDC offers specialized training in roles like service advisors, two-wheeler mechanics, EV technicians, and dealership management to encourage their participation in the automotive sector. Programs also provide flexible training schedules and support for self-employment.

For persons with disabilities, ASDC has collaborated with Skill Council for persons with disabilities (ScPWD) and has developed customized modules to train them in roles such as spare parts management, quality control, tele-caller and automotive technician support while ensuring a barrier-free training environment.

By promoting diversity and inclusion, ASDC aims to create equal opportunities and empower these underrepresented groups in the workforce

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