The announcements made in the Union Budget regarding the promotion of electric vehicles, skill development and focus on India’s Amrit Peedhi -our youth, are very promising. The government’s decision to exempt capital goods and machinery required for the manufacturing of lithium-ion cells for EVs, as well as reduce custom duties on lithium-ion batteries, together with the PLI schemes and Green Hydrogen mission incentivises manufacturer to accelerate their clean transport alternatives.
As Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), we applaud the launch of PM Kaushal Vikaas Yojana 4.0, an exciting initiative for the Indian youth to skill up in the new age courses required for Industry 4.0. This scheme, with its emphasis on industry partnership, covers a wide range of topics including robotics, mechatronics, IoT, 3D printing, and other soft skills critical to Indian manufacturers in the coming years. The setting up of 30 Skill India International Centres across states will provide our youth with local resources to upskill for careers in India and abroad.