|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), established in November 2014, is central to the Government of India’s Skill India Mission (SIM), which aims to provide comprehensive skill development, re-skilling, and up-skilling opportunities across the nation.
This initiative supports various schemes including the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) through the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). By leveraging a broad network of skill development centres, colleges, and institutes, the MSDE addresses the diverse needs of India’s workforce and ensures that individuals from all societal segments have access to relevant training.
The National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) is central to India’s skill development strategy. It structures qualifications into levels based on knowledge, skills, and responsibilities, integrates vocational and academic education, and supports career progression with flexible learning pathways. The NSQF also underscores the value of industry partnerships, facilitating practical training through apprenticeships and internships.
One of the NSQF’s key features is its focus on recognising prior learning. This is achieved through a credible assessment process that acknowledges various forms of learning, including formal education, vocational training, and on-the-job experience. The framework aims to promote lifelong learning by validating and crediting diverse learning experiences, thus supporting ongoing skill development.
The MSDE ensures the effective functioning of its training programmes through robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. A major tool in this effort is the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), a web portal designed to enhance transparency and accountability in the skill development ecosystem. The SIDH platform provides timely information to stakeholders and supports the monitoring of training centres.
Under PMKVY, centres are monitored through self-audit reporting, surprise inspections, and digital systems such as the Skill India Digital (SID) platform and the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS). The PMKVY Monitoring Committee plays a critical role in reviewing and addressing issues related to stakeholder compliance. Similarly, the JSS scheme is overseen by the Directorate of Jan Shikshan Sansthan, which conducts review meetings and uses an online portal to ensure adherence to guidelines. Non-compliant entities face financial sanctions and possible de-recognition.
The NAPS scheme has streamlined the stipend support process for apprentices, transitioning from reimbursement-based payments to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) as of July 2023. This change aims to simplify financial transactions and enhance transparency. The STRIVE project provides financial assistance for upgrading ITI facilities, focusing on improving lab equipment and aligning training with industry needs. Monitoring of STRIVE-funded projects is conducted through a Management Information System (MIS) portal, with performance indicators guiding the allocation of support.
The SANKALP programme also utilises the SIDH platform for monitoring, further strengthening the oversight of training and entrepreneurship initiatives. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) implements various skilling schemes, including PMKVY, NAPS, and market-led fee-based programmes, across the country. NSDC’s studies on the demand for skilled workforce highlight the alignment of training programmes with global market needs.
Evaluations of MSDE’s initiatives, including a NITI Aayog study and a third-party impact assessment by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), underscore the positive outcomes of these programmes. According to the studies, a significant percentage of employers prefer candidates trained under PMKVY, and many graduates report better employment prospects and higher salaries. The NSDC also conducts international demand studies to ensure that training programmes meet global requirements, reinforcing India’s position in the global job market.
In summary, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s comprehensive approach to skill development, supported by the NSQF and rigorous monitoring mechanisms, aims to equip India’s youth with the necessary skills to thrive in a dynamic job market while fostering lifelong learning and industry alignment.
