Green Jobs: PM Modi’s Vision for a Sustainable India

On August 15, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised ‘green jobs’ in his Independence Day speech, making it a trending topic. The concept of green jobs is now being considered vital for India’s future, reflecting the nation’s commitment to both economic growth and environmental protection.

But what exactly are green jobs, and why are they important for India’s youth and the environment? Let’s explore these questions in this article.

What Are Green Jobs?

Green jobs are roles that contribute to preserving and improving the environment. These jobs aim to promote economic growth while also safeguarding the environment. Examples include positions in renewable energy, energy conservation, water resource management, and the adoption of sustainable farming techniques.

As mentioned in Business Standard, there has been a 40% increase in the demand for green skills since 2015, indicating the growing need for a workforce ready to support this shift.

Why Is PM Modi Emphasising Green Jobs?

In his speech, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that green jobs present an opportunity for India to achieve both economic development and environmental sustainability. He also highlighted that green jobs will create new employment opportunities for the youth, marking a significant milestone in India’s growth journey.

This initiative is crucial because India, the world’s third-largest greenhouse gas emitter, has set a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Through green jobs, India will not only move closer to this goal but also generate millions of new jobs.

Key Areas for Green Jobs

Renewable Energy Sector: India’s renewable energy sector is rapidly expanding. As of May 2024, the country has installed 195.01 GW of renewable energy capacity, with solar energy accounting for 85.47 GW. Additionally, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is playing a crucial role in making India self-reliant in the solar energy sector. The scheme aims to create nearly 30,000 direct and 1,20,000 indirect job opportunities.

Environmental Management: Green jobs have significant potential in areas like waste management and water resource conservation. Those involved in proper waste disposal and recycling processes in India are part of the green jobs ecosystem.

Agriculture Sector: Green jobs also play a significant role in India’s agriculture sector. The number of farmers trained in organic farming, sustainable agriculture techniques, and water conservation measures is growing. The 2024-25 budget stated that within the next two years, 10 million farmers across the country will be encouraged to adopt natural farming practices.

The Future Emergence of Millions of Green Jobs

Prime Minister Modi also mentioned that millions of green job opportunities will arise in the coming years. The Indian government’s goal is to establish 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Achieving this ambitious target will require large-scale investment and innovation in sectors like solar energy, wind energy, biomass, and hydropower. As a result, there will be increased demand for experts, engineers, technicians, and workers in these sectors, opening up new employment opportunities for millions.

Moreover, a report prepared by the Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ) and Sattva Consulting, in collaboration with JP Morgan, stated that by 2047, India could create approximately 35 million green jobs.

That’s it for today. We hope you’ve found this article informative. Remember to spread the word among your friends. Until we meet again, stay curious!

This article is for informational purposes only. This is not investment advice. Disclaimer: Teji Mandi Disclaimer