Education has a place of high priority on India's development agenda. The technical/vocational education (TVE) system is multisectoral with each ministry responsible for labor force development in that sector. The TVE programs in the formal education system are either state delivered or financed. The higher secondary vocational education program is the emerging mode for skill training for informal and unorganized sectors and aims to the educational requirements for self-employment. Technician education is primarily the responsibility of the polytechnic; the Ministry of Labor looks after craftsworker and apprenticeship training. Educational policy formulation is a complex exercise, carried out at many levels by all concerned agencies. India has passed less educational legislation than many other countries. Steps being taken to improve TVE include a major World Bank-financed scheme that addresses the present weaknesses. TVE problems are identified by public officials, voluntary organizations, mass media, and education. Future directions of improvement are as follows: introduction of first degree-level vocational courses; internal resource generation through the vocational program outreach studies in schools; creating and expanding the open learning system for greater flexibility in delivery and for wider outreach, and effective linkage with industry and the world of work; an entrepreneurial orientation to TVE; and articulation between TVE and general education. (YLB)