Rubber industrialists want skill development centre

There are over 300 functional rubber units in Punjab, with Jalandhar as the nucleus

Grappling with a shortage of skilled manpower, the rubber industry in Punjab feels that the Centre’s decision to set up a skill council to train the workers would give a boost to the industry. Besides high rubber prices, the shortage of skilled manpower has proved to be a stumbling block for the industry’s expansion.

In Punjab, there are over 300 functional units, with Jalandhar as the nucleus. Speaking to Business Standard, an industrialist said, "We are facing an acute shortage of skilled manpower. The availability of skilled manpower is an issue faced by the entire rubber sector. Recently, the Centre launched a coordinated action programme for skill development which is envisioned to be a major initiative for inclusive growth and development of the sector. We think that with the setting up of a skill development centre ,our problem would be solved to a great extent. "

Pankaj Sukhija, a rubber industry consultant, said, " The All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) has engaged NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) in setting up a sector skill council for the rubber industry to train the workforce. This scheme was a part of an initiative of the Prime Minister’s Office. Earlier, the association had submitted a proposal, to set up a Rubber Skill Development Centre (RSDC). AIRIA, along with ATMA (Automotive Tyre Manufacturer Association) launched the RSDC by signing a memorandum of understanding with NSDC recently.”

He also said that the office of the RSDC was formally inaugurated in August this year. According to industrialists, the RSDC would strive to complement the existing vocational education system for in meeting the entire value chain's requirements of appropriately trained manpower with regard to quantity and quality across all levels, on a sustained and evolving basis.

They said the Sector Skill Council (SSC) of every industry must have the active support of all major players in order to be successful. The SSC would complement the existing vocational education system and address skill gaps through various activities.

NSDC has mandated, in the National Skill Development Policy 2009, the constitution of SSCs with a list of objectives including identification of skill development needs; preparing a catalogue of the types, range and depth of skills to facilitate individuals to choose from them; development of a sector skill development plan and maintenance of a skill inventory; determination of skills; competency standards and qualifications; standardisation of affiliation and accreditation processes; and participation in affiliation, accreditation, examination and certification.