India has long been a beacon of craftsmanship, famed for its architectural marvels, intricate artistry, and precision metallurgy. Centuries ago, our industries contributed nearly 30 per cent of the world’s GDP, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to excellence. While post-independence India has made tremendous strides in scientific research, defense, automobile, aviation, and medical innovation, these achievements largely benefit a small segment of society.

In stark contrast, the vast majority ~ especially those engaged in service sectors and small to medium scale manufacturing ~ grapple with a persistent culture of inefficiency, negligence, and disregard for quality, affecting not only our daily life but the national economic growth and productivity. This pervasive decline stems from historical oppression, complacency, and an ingrained tendency to accept mediocrity rather than challenge it. Centuries of foreign rule conditioned society to resign to fate, suppressing creativity and dynamism. Over time, precision faded, leaving behind a workforce that lacked motivation for perfection.

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Instead of fostering corrective action, substandard work became normalized. Despite 76 years of independence, this mindset persists, especially in sectors lacking strict oversight. With over 15.67 per cent youth unemployment and 103.4 million classified as “NEET” (Not in Education, Em – ployment, or Training), many are absorbed into small industrial and service sectors where poor work culture flourishes unchecked. This segment, where inadequate vocational training, lack of discipline, and disregard for accountability thrives, needs urgent intervention. It is here that the Government and the organized private sector must step in to instill training, excellence, and accountability, ensuring India’s growth is broad-based and inclusive, rather than restricted to a privileged few. Organized & Semi-Organized Sectors: Mainly, the reasons for degradation, decline in professionalism and lack of precision across various medium and small scale industries are:

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* Inadequate skill development. Training programmes are either insufficient or non-existent, leading to poor workmanship.

* Disjointed education systems result in lack of standardization in skill-based training while language comprehension hinders efficiency. In most cases the technician learns by experiments and experience leaving him unfit for competing with quality products from corporate or established industries.

* Absence of structured SOPs and formal guidelines lead workers to take shortcuts resulting in hazardous and at times fatal output.

* The high cost of professional tools........

© The Statesman