Name: K. S. Mahesha
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Volume No: 10, Issue No: 2, Year: 2025 (Special Issue)
Page Number: 84-87
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17997989

ABSTRACT
This paper discuses the initiatives taken up by Government of India for development of AI anddigital skills. Technology plays a critical role in shaping the future of the youth. Inclusive education plays a critical role in training youth in AI skills. There is a need for modernising curriculum to include digital and soft skills through smarter collaborations. This will support in creating work based learning opportunities. Skill Crisis is deepening as technology advances. It is estimated that there are nearly 450 million youth in the world who lack adequate skills to success in labour market. It is also observed that one out five persons aged 15-35 remain disengaged because of lack of opportunities at
skill development. These skill gaps affect vulnerable groups disproportionately. There is a serious observation that there is severe gender disparity in digital sector as 90 % of the young women remain offline. It is also estimated through a study by World Economic Forum that nearly 40 of the skills sets no longer match the needs of the future job market. It is also studied that 22% of the jobs are expected to transform by 2030 due to technological disruption. Thus closing skills gaps is critical for the future of Youth. offering free online courses in AI coding cyber security entrepreneurship and career development is all needed.

Key Words: AI & digital skills , Initiatives , challenges