AbstractThis article highlights the critical need for scaling up concerted efforts to enhance skill development in India, in the context of the country's transition to a knowledge based economy, through the creation of a professional skilled workforce. Governmental efforts, especially in the recent past, in the arena of skill development through various schemes and programmes, management structures and processes, and the challenges encountered within these initiatives are discussed. Further, identifying pathways for countering these challenges and effective implementation of the programmes are examined with a detailed interview with S. Ramadorai, Chairman, National Skill Development Agency, Government of India & National Skill Development C...