Is employment in call centres sustainable? What kinds of skills should people working in call centres acquire to get a regular income?
(i) Employment in call centres may not be entirely sustainable in the long run. The context indicates that multinational companies outsource services to India primarily because of cheap manpower and low wage rates. If these cost advantages diminish or if other countries offer cheaper alternatives, employment could shift elsewhere. Additionally, the reform process has been criticised for not generating sufficient employment opportunities, raising concerns about job security.
(ii) To get regular income, people working in call centres should acquire skills in information technology and modern communication, as outsourcing has intensified due to the growth of IT. They should develop a reasonable degree of skill and accuracy in their work. Since various services like accountancy, banking services, and clinical advice are being outsourced, acquiring specialised skills in these areas could help secure more stable employment opportunities.
Explanation
This question appears in the 'Work These Out' section of the NCERT Economics textbook (Indian Economic Development, Chapter on Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation). The answer is derived from the context which explains that outsourcing to India is driven by low wage rates and availability of skilled manpower. The sustainability concern arises because if these advantages reduce, companies may shift to other destinations. The skills mentioned are inferred from the types of outsourced services listed (accountancy, banking, clinical advice, etc.) and the emphasis on IT growth driving outsourcing.