NCR-based 300 STAR scheme candidates get cash benefits

The first batch of around 300 successful candidates from the National Capital Region, who had completed their industry-oriented training courses under the National Skill Certification and Monetary Reward Scheme, were awarded certificates on Wednesday. The scheme was launched by Finance Minister P Chidambaram on August 16 last year and was being implemented on a pan-India basis by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

Branded as STAR (Standard Training Assessment & Reward), it was first proposed by the finance minister in the Union Budget last year. A total of Rs 1,000 crore was allocated for the programme, and was aimed to encourage skill developments for youth by providing monetary rewards after successful completion. In the first year, the target was to train a million people.

Finance Minister P Chidambaram, speaking at the felicitation ceremony, said: "This is our first milestone under STAR, an initiative which is in line with the National Skilling Mission. Every certified candidate is now a part of the skilled workforce which is a matter of pride for our nation. I strongly encourage more young women and men to join the STAR scheme and build a better future for themselves and the nation."

S Ramadorai, chairman of National Skill Development Agency & the National Skill Development Corporation, said a cumulative sum of over Rs 1.4 crore had already been already transferred to the bank accounts of the certified candidates.

A new card called the NSDC-BOI (Bank of India) STAR debit card - the first ever skilling card in India, was also launched. Candidates who had received the reward money under the STAR scheme now have an access to a bank account, which also comes with a Rs 50,000 accident insurance cover.

The STAR Scheme that was launched in August 2013 and rolled out nationally on September 16 already had more than 1.1 lakh candidates enrolled. Over 175 training organizations, comprising NSDC funded training partners, Government affiliated training agencies and other private training providers, are affiliated to Sector Skill Councils under the Scheme, providing a wide coverage of over 2,600 training centres across the country. Eleven (11) independent assessment agencies are affiliated with various Sector Skill Councils, and are conducting these assessments through individual assessors.

Today, NSDC also announced the release of its first television commercial campaign to be aired nationally from the second week of February. NSDC also announced the launch of India's first weekly reality show dedicated to skill development, supported by Ministry of Labour and Employment and NSDC. The show will be televised on Doordarshan National starting from February 9, 2014.