Despite its near double digit growth, led by robust manufacturing and services sectors, all does not seem well with the Indian economy. According to a recent survey by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the economy is up against shortage of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers.

“The shortages are of such a serious nature that it is imperative to take immediate corrective action to maintain the growth momentum of the economy,” states FICCI’s quick survey. The survey is based on feedback received from individual companies as well as industry associations. The survey draws attention to some ‘key areas’, which deserve prompt promotion of skill development.

Focusing on 20 industry sectors, which require quick corrective action, the survey gives statistics to corroborate its skill shortage theory. For instance, the survey reveals that in the biotechnology sector, there is an acute shortage of nearly 80 per cent of doctorate and post doctorate scientists in the areas of molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and analytical chemistry. Likewise, the food-processing sector reportedly faces a shortage of 65 per cent of refrigeration mechanics, electricians and fitters; a 70 per cent shortage of food safety professionals; and a shortage of 60 per cent of agricultural scientists.

The survey also predicts an acute shortage of doctors in the next few years, given the current additions to the pool of 5,92,215 doctors (2005) at 22,000 per annum and the projected demand (2012) of 1,200,000.