Automotive Skill Development Council (ASDC), operating under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, made a remarkable presence at India’s inaugural Bharat Mobility Global Expo – 2024. With the aim of emphasizing the critical role of skill development in the automotive sector and attracting young talent to the industry, ASDC showcased its skilling initiatives through two stalls at the event.
The expo served as a platform for ASDC to delve into the intricacies of EV battery manufacturing, battery safety, recycling, as well as EV charging and battery swapping. Notable figures such as Dr Pawan Goenka (former president ASDC), Vinkesh Gulati (VP ASDC), and other industry veterans visited the stalls, symbolizing the industry’s recognition of the importance of skill development.
Commenting on the inauguration of Bharat Mobility Global Expo, ASDC President and JMD Sansera Engineering Pvt Ltd, Mr FR Singhvi, stated, “This expo aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s vision for a greener India, focusing on advanced energy storage, green hydrogen, and e-mobility technologies. The battery is the core of this industry.” Citing the India Battery Manufacturing Vision, Mr Singhvi projected the creation of over 2.6 million jobs and a USD 35 billion investment by 2035. Highlighting the surge in EV sales in India as a cleaner and more efficient alternative, he emphasised the government’s ambitious target of achieving 30% electrification of India’s vehicle fleet by 2030.
Vinkesh Gulati, Vice President of ASDC, referred to the Economic Survey of 2023, predicting substantial growth in India’s domestic EV market. He stated, “With a projected 49% CAGR between 2022 and 2030, the EV market is poised to achieve an annual sales figure of 10 million units by 2030. The establishment of in-house battery pack assembly facilities by most EV OEMs will create new job opportunities for skilled professionals.”
Arindam Lahiri, CEO, ASDC, emphasised the stall’s purpose – showcasing the significance of skilling for the EV industry and attracting young professionals. He stressed the need for industry outreach to academic institutions and expos, providing exposure to the exciting prospects within the automotive sector. ASDC believes in bridging the industry-academia gap by involving faculty members in industry experiences and regular interactions with students. The stall showcased various skilling initiatives and programs designed to address skill gaps in the automotive industry.
Additionally, ASDC highlighted the importance of hiring individuals with the right skill levels, assessed and certified by independent bodies like ASDC, to retain talent. The stall also addressed challenges in recruitment, including geographical and expectation mismatches.
