Changing perceptions of HRD in India.

The Indian HRD special interest Group deliberated on topics related to contemporary HRD such as gender inequity, changing status of women leaders, skill development programme, and HRD for agriculture sector. The panel observed that gender inequity is often considered unimportant on everyday economic and business life. HRD professionals can provide adequate training and development for developing women leaders, fostering employment through skill development across all sectors including agriculture sectors, and raising awareness and subsequent actions towards gender equity. Regarding the changing status of women leaders, the panel observed that Indian women underrepresented at the leadership level as patriarchy still dictate the Indian society and unfair practices and gender-bias against women leaders prevail. The panel proposed for hiring and retaining more women talent and introduction of progressive HRD practices for enhanced women leadership in India. The skill development programme deliberated on sectorial industry requirement, replacing short-term skill courses with long-term vocational courses, and implementation of the Standard Training Assessment and Reward programme has been suggested for Skill development programme. Finally, HRD in agricultural sector has advised the stakeholders to focus on merging indigenous knowledge of farmers with the latest scientific innovations to improve productivity, working conditions, and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]