Ms. Seema Saroj, Chairperson of FICCI FLO Mumbai, was invited to participate in the “Employer Roundtable on India’s First Skill Census,” held at R D National College, Bandra West, in collaboration with Hon’ble Minister Ashish Shelar and Collector Shri Saurabh Katiyar, IAS. This roundtable focused on studying the skill gap and transforming workforce planning through data-driven insights at a grassroots level.
Shri Saurabh Katiyar (IAS), Collector of Mumbai Suburban, hosted and led the roundtable discussion. Ashwin Srivastava, Founder of Sapio Analytics, was the implementation partner for the Saksham Skill Census. Hardik Somani, Director and founder of Sapio Analytics, discussed the AI and GIS mapping technologies used for the census. Dr. Neha Jagtiani, Principal of RD & SH National College, Bandra West, was involved in the project’s launch.
Key Highlights of Roundtable
- Ward-Level Skill Mapping
A pioneering door-to-door skill census is being conducted to map workforce capabilities at the micro (ward) level.
- Comprehensive Data Capture
Collection of data on individual skills, employment status, and career aspirations to build a detailed talent database.
- AI-Driven Insights
Use of AI-powered analytics to identify skill gaps, demand-supply mismatches, and opportunities for targeted interventions.
- Employer Integration
Direct engagement with employers to enable hiring, skilling partnerships, and co-creation of training programs.
- Scalable Talent Pipeline
Creation of a real-time, data-driven talent pool to support industry needs and strengthen Maharashtra’s workforce ecosystem.
Impact Potential
- Mapping of 50,000+ unemployed youth in the pilot phase, enabling targeted skilling and employment opportunities.
- Strengthening industry–government collaboration for workforce development.
- Enabling faster job matching and reducing unemployment gaps.
- Creating a replicable model for other districts and states.
Way Forward
- Participation in the core working group.
- Supporting employer engagement and industry linkages.
- Exploring women-focused skilling and entrepreneurship integration.
- Aligning FLO initiatives with this data-driven workforce platform.