"We have told the states they can have two shifts in ITIs so that we can produce more skilled people. But one must ensure quality. It would also benefit industries," Kharge told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
After giving away prizes to winners of 22nd CII National Work Skills Competition, aimed at promoting vocational training in industrial skills, he said the aim is to make India the skill capital of the world in a decade.
"...with our vast resources of technical trained manpower we must have a vision to become the skill capital of the world by 2020 and this would be possible by providing excellent opportunities to educate the youth and provide specific skills required by the industry," Kharge said.
Kharge said 21st century is witnessing a huge shift into a single global market, and Indian companies would have to compete not just in domestic markets but also overseas.
"In such a competitive environment, there is a need to constantly upgrade the skills and technology of workers to meet the growing challenges," he said.
Kharge said his ministry was doing a lot in skill development but some more efforts were needed in bringing industry partners more closer and they should join hands in building up the skills comparable to world standards. "Countries like Korea, Brazil and Singapore are prospering because there is support from industries. Similarly, CII should also encourage industries to increase their participation in skill building," he said.