CHANDIGARH: The country needs to focus on investments in its human resource and basic infrastructure to sustain the present growth rate of Indian economy.

Things have fallen in place for the Indian Economy in the last few years, its time for Industry – Government – Academia to work together to bridge the skill gaps and develop curriculum in tandem with industry requirements to enable the youth to leverage this huge opportunity and establish themselves in the right fields and with the right skill sets, stated Vivek Atray, Joint Secretary – Technical Education, Chandigarh Administration, at a Seminar on Current Economy: Implications on Indian Business organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry's Young Indians (CII's Yi) – ICFAI National College Net at CII Northern Region Headquarters here today.

Calling for the need for Industry to supplement Government's efforts in bridging the industry – academia gap, he mentioned, "As the economy is growing, there are more opportunities for the youth. Many sectors have emerged in the last few years like media & entertainment, hospitality, IT etc, thus it is pertinent to teach relevant curriculum at various technical & professional institutes,' and added, "India has the largest number of young population and thus the ability to take the Indian economy to a new growth trajectory, at the same time, lack of quality human resources and basic infrastructure can hinder the growth trends."

Col (Retd) K K Sharma, Campus Head, ICFAI National College in his mentioned that the US Sub prime crisis that shook the global financial markets last year, continues to loom large on every discussion forum, market watcher lists and business meetings. Oil and commodity price rise, food shortages, rising inflation and sluggish economic growth have continued for over a year now. The three infamous Fs – Fuel, Food shortages and profligacy on the part of financial institutions are the main causes for the inflation. Containing inflation is a challenge in front of all governments, but in this battle, business growth would always be the casualty, he added.

Anupama Arya, Chairperson, Yi Chandigarh Chapter mentioned that during the last decade the GDP rate has grown rapidly and is expected to double in next six years whereas it took more than 12 years to double itself earlier. However, the rate of skill set has not grown at the same pace. Today, when the opportunity is in each and every sector, the uniqueness of the skill sets would determine what good is all in the opportunity, she added.

The Seminar was attended by over 100 industry representatives and students.