Govt launches new initiative to skill workforce for jobs abroad

PKVY will train, certify people keen on overseas employment in select sectors

Ministries of external affairs and skill development & entrepreneurship have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Saturday for implementing Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY), a skill development initiative.

PKVY will train and certify Indian workforce keen on overseas employment in select sector, in line with international standards.  It will be implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) through its training partners, in consultation with the ministry of external affairs (MEA) and the skill development ministry.

As part of the collaboration, potential emigrant workers can avail of work-related skill training under PKVY or any other similar government’s  skill development programme, which would take place at transnational standards.

Skill development ministry, through NSDC, proposes to establish customised international skill centres to operationalise this initiative.

MEA role would be to support pre-departure orientation training, which will include language and soft skills training modules. The training offered will also be backed by an internationally recognised assessment and certification system.

Commenting on the signing of the MoU, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said this collaborative effort between the two ministries would enhance overseas employment opportunities for Indian workers, boost the Skill India Mission and is an important step towards the realisation of Prime Minster Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming India into the skill capital of the world. Lauding the partnership,  Skill Development Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy said: “Till now Indians who travelled abroad for work, were not empowered with rules, regulation, finesse and skills required for those markets, which made them unsafe in those regions. Our partnership with the MEA will ensure that there is a formal training imparted to these emigrants, which makes them more productive and efficient.”

“We plan to set up 50 exclusive skill centres to cater to overseas employment opportunities by the end of this year. This MoU will further strengthen our efforts for the global market,” Rudy added.