Nation First' is not merely a slogan but our guiding philosophy – Shri Devnani

New Delhi/Jaipur: Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Shri Vasudev Devnani has emphasized the necessity of preparing a 'Local Employment and Skill Map' for every Assembly and Lok Sabha constituency to achieve the goal of 'Viksit Bharat @2047'.Speaker Shri Devnani was addressing MPs, MLAs, and subject matter experts from industry and academia on Tuesday at the Gulmohar Hall of the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The workshop focused on strengthening India's employment framework for 'Viksit Bharat @2047' and was organized by the NFPRC Foundation. At the event, NFPRC Foundation Chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Shri Tarun Chugh welcomed Speaker Shri Devnani.He noted that every region of the country possesses unique characteristics regarding tourism, agro-processing, engineering, renewable energy, and digital systems. He stated that we can realize the resolve of a 'Viksit Bharat' by promoting local industries, transforming the mindset of the youth, and creating an environment that fosters synergy between academic education and practical vocational skills.He noted that every region of the country possesses unique characteristics regarding tourism, agro-processing, engineering, renewable energy, and digital systems. By promoting local industries, shifting the mindset of the youth, and fostering an environment that integrates education with practical skills, we can realize the vision of a developed India.*Creating History Through Collective Resolve*Shri Devnani stated that we will script a new history through the vigor of our youth, the empowerment of women, the dignity of labor, collective resolve, self-reliance, and practical knowledge. He remarked that the nature of employment in the coming years will differ significantly from today's landscape. Technologies such as AI, automation, robotics, semiconductors, green energy, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and digital services will transform the very nature of our economy. To adapt to this, we must remain constantly prepared for reskilling and lifelong learning.*Opening New Avenues for Youth Skills*Shri Devnani emphasized that a policy becomes effective only when it is backed by solid research, grounded in reality, and subject to continuous evaluation of its outcomes. He stated that strengthening the nation's employment framework—making it more robust, inclusive, and aligned with future needs—is the need of the hour. India's youth power is its greatest asset; by linking their potential with skill development, opportunities, and entrepreneurship, we can unlock new avenues for employment.*Employment: The Nation's Productive Force*Shri Devnani observed that traditional forms of employment are undergoing rapid transformation amidst the changing global economy, technological advancements, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. He noted that employment is not merely about providing a job; it is deeply connected to an individual's potential, skills, dignity, and self-reliance, as well as the nation's productive capacity. *India: The World's Youngest Nation*Shri Devnani stated that when a young person transforms their education into skills, skills into work, and work into value creation, they advance not only their personal lives but also the national economy. Consequently, it is essential to align education and skill development with the current and future needs of industries. Effective efforts must be made to transform the youth from mere job seekers into job creators. India is the youngest nation in the world, with 65 percent of its population comprising youth under the age of 35. Shri Devnani believes that strengthening youth power and the employment ecosystem is crucial to realizing the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat @2047' (Developed India @2047).*Promoting Startups is Essential*Speaker Shri Devnani emphasized that fostering skill development, quality education, vocational training, apprenticeships, startups, self-employment, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is vital for a robust employment system. Alongside developing employment opportunities based on local resources and traditional skills in rural areas, it is also necessary to integrate the youth into the digital economy.*Coordination is Crucial*Speaker Shri Devnani stated that to increase women's participation in the workforce, there must be a focus on promoting safe and conducive work environments, skill training, entrepreneurial opportunities, and essential workplace facilities. Employment policies should aim to ensure equal access to opportunities for every section of society and every region of the country. He remarked that 'Viksit Bharat @2047' is not merely a goal for economic growth but a resolve to build an India where every young person has the opportunity to progress in accordance with their talent and potential. Achieving this requires better coordination among the central and state governments, the industrial sector, educational institutions, and organizations involved in skill development. *Promoting local potential for employability in Rajasthan* – Shri Devnani stated that continuous efforts are being made in Rajasthan to enhance the skills, entrepreneurship, and employability of the youth in alignment with local needs. By creating new employment opportunities, improving skills, and fostering self-reliance, the state's youth are making significant contributions to building a developed India.*Creating an effective employment ecosystem* –Shri Devnani called for the development of an employment ecosystem that places employment at the core of development—thereby realizing the vision of 'Viksit Bharat @2047' through public participation—and serves as an effective bridge between the aspirations of the youth, the requirements of industries, and the country's future economic needs.*Nation First: Our guiding philosophy* –Shri Devnani remarked that "Nation First" is not merely a slogan but our guiding philosophy. He stated that this philosophy would serve as a crucial foundation for realizing our resolve to build a developed India. Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, and subject matter experts from various fields across the country attended the workshop.