There was a time when Indians used to take pride that illiterate mechanics, masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc did a wonderful job by learning from seeing and working with experienced people. They used to work with the seniors from the age of less than 10 years. Now child labour is banned and children cannot go for jobs at 10 years.
Now one finds that the quality of work of mechanics etc. is poor and quantum of output is very low. It appears that like in developed countries, students should study at vocational training institutes all the trades mentioned above as well as trades like laundry, hair cutting, domestic work etc. A student completes 8th class at the age of 13 and thereafter goes to vocational institutes for period of 2 years. They can go for jobs from the age of 15. The minimum age for recruitment to the post of Lower Division Clerk is pass in 12th class. In states like Tamilnadu, a person completes his 12th class at the age of 17. So, the minimum age for recruitment to the post should be kept at 17 instead of 18. Earlier the minimum qualification required was pass in 11th standard which means, the minimum age for recruitment should have been kept at 16 and not 18. Even elementary school teachers used to be available for jobs from the age of 15 after 8 years of studies in general schools and 2 years course in training.
By keeping the minimum age for recruitment at a higher level the country loses their due contribution to the economy by 1- 3 years.
With the longevity increasing, people can work up to the age of 65. By retiring people at the age of 58/60 the country loses 5-7 years’ contribution of people to the country’s development.
With proper priorities, the government and the people can create so large a number of jobs that India would have to import labour.