Govt.aims to make NSQF mandatory for institutions to receive funding: Rudy

Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge) Rajiv Pratap Rudy invited industry on Wednesday to design skill development programs in line with the 'Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna' to increase the employability of the country's huge young population.

Rudy was delivering his inaugural address at an interactive session on 'Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna' on the theme 'Making Skilling Possible', organized by FICCI-NAVSP in collaboration with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

NAVSP stands for National Association of Vocation Skills Providers, which is a FICCI platform to strengthen the interface between the key skill development stakeholders in the country.

Rudy said the Centre aims to make National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) compliance mandatory for all institutions imparting training and educational programs for receiving a government funding from 2017.

He also said the government is deliberating on making NSQF certification compulsory for those aspiring to enter government services.

The minister said integration of skill development with education should have taken place in India 40 years ago and added that the lack of this integration has resulted in a disconnect between the industry's demand for a skilled workforce and the available resources.

Education, he said, is an important aspect, but skill development readies a resource for industry. He urged the private sector to join hands with NSDC and PMKVY to achieve the Prime Minister Modi's vision of a skilled India.

Dilip Chenoy, CEO & MD, NSDC, said there is a need to create synergy between different organizations and work in tandem to scale up skill development landscape in the country to meet the growing demand of industry for skilled workforce.

For this, he added that NSDC was in the process of identifying facilities and infrastructure available with the institutions at the grass root level to turn them into iconic centres of skill development in the 543 constituencies of India.

Chenoy said that mission of PMKVY and NSDC is to skill every student under the program in a conducive environment where it is possible to track their progress, performance and assure them of a long term sustainable livelihood.

Dr. Jyotsna Suri, President, FICCI and Chairperson and Managing Director, Bharat Hotels Ltd., said that one of the foremost problems with the traditional skill development programs has been the disconnect between the skills taught and the skills needed. However, in the case of PMKVY, it is highly encouraging to see the involvement of NSDC and Sector Skill Councils, ensuring that the course curriculum is market driven and has good employment potential. Now the onus of making it a success lies with the training providers.