New Delhi: A science perception survey by a global firm has found that 80 per cent of Indian respondents believe that shortage of ‘skilled’ trade workers in the country could have a negative economic impact, and lead to decline in overall quality of life and neglected public infrastructure. Skilled trade workers include electricians, carpenters, plumbers, steamfitters, pipefitters, welders, heavy equipment operators and painters.
The State of Science Index-2023, released by American multinational 3M, also found that 85 per cent of respondents said shortage of skilled trade workers was on account of parents discouraging children from pursuing opportunities in the sector. The SOSI-2023 said referring to the findings of the survey in India,
Eighty per cent believe there is a negative stigma around being a skilled trade worker.
The SOSI-2023 is a 17-country survey done during September to December last year among 1,000 general population consumers in each country. It explores the future of science and captures sentiment related to STEM equity, skilled trades, sustainability, health and future innovation. It said,
Eighty per cent of the respondents say that if the country cannot find a solution to this shortage soon, there could be consequences such as negative economic impact, decline in overall quality of life, safety risks, neglected public infrastructure and supply chain challenges.
Also Read: Apollo Foundation’s ‘Arrjava Candles’ Lights Up The Lives Of The Chenchu Community In Telangana
According to the survey, 91 per cent of respondents in India believe that science has a critical role in improving the lives of the world’s most vulnerable populations and 92 per cent want to hear what scientists think about societal issues.
It found that 86 per cent of Indians surveyed believe positive outcomes can be achieved if people stand up for and defend science – from solutions to climate change, to improved public health and sustainable agriculture. As many as 95 per cent respondents said schools should provide education around climate change for students as a core part of their science curriculum. In the current climate, India respondents agreed that sources of untapped potential in the STEM workforce include under-represented groups at 90 per cent and women at 93 per cent. These under-represented groups, if given opportunities, would be crucial in driving the economy of our country, the survey found. Ninety-two per cent of respondents agree that more needs to be done to encourage and keep students from under-represented groups engaged in STEM education and 91 per cent say under-represented groups often do not receive equal access to STEM education.
The survey found that 83 per cent of Indians said they are concerned about the consequences of climate change. According to the survey, 94 per cent of Indians said they believe electric vehicles help in minimising pollution. The switch to electric cars should be reflected across the world as 94 per cent said that by 2032, all countries should stipulate that new vehicles that are manufactured should be either electric or hybrid.
Also Read: Green Tourism, Skill Development Of Locals Dominate Talks At Second G20 TWR
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via the Banega Swachh India initiative, which is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – theLGBTQ population,indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In wake of the currentCOVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water,SanitationandHygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fightmalnutrition, mental wellbeing, self care, science and health,adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity, which is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues likeair pollution,waste management,plastic ban,manual scavengingand sanitation workers andmenstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India wheretoiletsare used andopen defecation free (ODF)status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched byPrime Minister Narendra Modiin 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.
