Now Reading: Women only 12% of India’s ITI enrollees, hindering growth
-
01
Women only 12% of India’s ITI enrollees, hindering growth
Women make up just 12% of nearly 45 lakh students enrolled in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) between 2019 and 2024, Hindustan Times reports, citing NITI Aayog data. In technical trades, female enrolment…
The Story in Brief
Women make up just 12% of nearly 45 lakh students enrolled in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) between 2019 and 2024, Hindustan Times reports, citing NITI Aayog data. In technical trades, female enrolment is far lower: 4.8% in electrician courses, 3.5% among welders, and 2.7% in motor vehicle mechanic courses.
The latest Periodic Labour Force Survey shows female labour force participation has risen to 40% from 33.9% three years ago. Research suggests raising that rate to 54% could add $1.4 trillion to India's GDP. The ministry of skill development cites programmes such as NAVYA and PMKVY 4.0, under which women form 56% of certified candidates, as evidence that women's aspiration for technical skills is strong when the infrastructure exists.
The Indian Opinion
The usual narrative blames women's 'lack of interest' in trades. But PMKVY 4.0's 56% female certification rate shows that when safe transit, childcare, and institutional support exist, women flock to technical fields. The real test is whether the apprenticeship pipeline and workplace infrastructure will match this demonstrated demand. Will the numbers in electrician and welding courses rise once care responsibilities are addressed?
Source: hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
