Dec 28, 2024 Mars Marine Management College

Is english more important than local language in india at any kind of job field?

In India, the necessity for English proficiency in employment varies significantly across different sectors. While comprehensive, up-to-date statistics are limited, available studies provide insights into the role of English in various job categories:

• Government and Education: Due to India's colonial history, English remains integral in government and educational institutions. Positions such as government officials and teachers often require English proficiency, as many technical subjects are taught in English.

University of Houston

• Engineering and Technical Fields: A 2015 survey revealed that approximately 67% of engineering graduates lacked the spoken English skills necessary for roles in India's knowledge economy, including software development, sales, and consulting. Only 2.9% met the English proficiency levels required for top jobs in these sectors.

ICEF Monitor

• Service-Based Industries: English proficiency is crucial in service-oriented jobs, especially those involving international clients. Recruiters often seek candidates with strong English skills, which can lead to salaries 30-50% higher than those without such proficiency.

ICEF Monitor

• Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO): These sectors, which cater to global markets, typically require employees to have a good command of English to effectively communicate with international clients.
• Manufacturing and Local Businesses: In contrast, jobs in manufacturing or local enterprises may prioritize proficiency in regional languages over English, depending on the nature of the role and the clientele.

Overall, English proficiency can significantly enhance employment prospects and earning potential in India, particularly in sectors that engage with international markets or require advanced technical skills. However, the specific percentage of jobs requiring English varies by industry and region.

In India, the workforce is predominantly employed in three major sectors:

1. Agriculture: This sector employs a significant portion of the population, especially in rural areas.
2. Industry: Encompassing manufacturing, construction, and related fields.
3. Services: Including IT, finance, healthcare, education, and more.

Regarding language proficiency within these sectors, comprehensive and up-to-date statistics are limited. However, some insights can be drawn:

• English Proficiency:
• Approximately 10% of India's population, or around 135 million people, are estimated to speak English.

ShaperNet

• Fluency in English is associated with higher wages. Men who are fluent in English earn 34% more per hour, and women earn 22% more per hour compared to those who don't speak English.

Centre for Economic Policy Research

• Sector-Specific Language Use:
• Services Sector: Jobs in IT, finance, and customer support often require English proficiency due to international clientele and global operations.

ORF Online

• Agriculture and Industry: These sectors may rely more on local languages, especially in roles that don't involve international communication.

It's important to note that while English proficiency can enhance employment prospects and earning potential, a vast majority of the Indian workforce operates primarily in Hindi or regional languages, especially in sectors that are domestically focused.

Share This Post