Abstract:

The World Resources Institute (WRI) India explored how the workforce in India should transition to new skills to make electric vehicles in the country by talking with Dr KP Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. Following questions were addressed:

1) India intends to switch to electric mobility. This will need a local supply chain of electric vehicles (EV) and its systems such as batteries and chargers. To make these, the Indian workforce will need to learn a new set of skills. In your opinion, what should the country do, in the short, medium and long term, to prepare for this transition and successfully create a globally competitive labor force?

2) What challenges could the country face as new EV-related skills replace traditional skillsets in both large and small firms?

3) Until now, the participation of the women labour force in the automotive sector has been minimal. In your opinion, is it possible to take advantage of the shift to electric vehicle technology to increase the share of the women labour force in this sector? What would be some key steps that the country needs to think about?

4) What do you think will be the role of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in transitioning to skills relevant to electric vehicles?

5) What do you think is the role of research organisations, like WRI, in helping with this transition?

6) What are some of the important research questions that can be taken up at this point?