Catch the Digital Bus

On July 15, the world observed World Youth Skills Day, a timely reminder of the urgent need to equip young people with future-ready skills. This year, the global focus is on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital literacy — not merely as buzzwords, but as transformative forces shaping economies and societies. For a small state like Sikkim, where youth unemployment, outmigration, and skill mismatch remain persistent challenges, this is a wake-up call.

The promise of AI and digital technologies lies not just in automation or efficiency, but in enabling the next generation to become creators, innovators, and problem-solvers. However, Sikkim’s current skilling ecosystem remains largely disconnected from the demands of the digital age. Most government-led skill development programs are narrowly focused on low-paying sectors like hospitality, beauty, or retail — while ignoring emerging domains such as coding, data science, AI, robotics, and cybersecurity.

Despite having a literate and energetic youth population, Sikkim has yet to build a robust tech-based skilling infrastructure. Limited access to high-speed internet in rural areas, poor digital infrastructure in schools and colleges, and a lack of trained mentors are stunting potential. The irony is that while Sikkim’s youth scroll endlessly on smartphones, they are seldom taught to code, design, or develop.

The state must urgently reorient its education and vocational training policies. Digital literacy must go beyond Microsoft Office tutorials. It’s time to integrate AI, machine learning, and computational thinking into the curriculum, especially in government schools. Collaboration with AI startups, ed-tech platforms, and national initiatives like PMKVY and IndiaAI Mission could open new doors.

Sikkim cannot afford to let its youth be passive consumers in the digital revolution. It must create pathways for them to become active participants — empowered, employed, and future-ready.