NSDC initiates strengthening of Skill India mission

In a bid to provide impetus to the Centre's Skill India mission, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the People of Indian Origin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PIOCCI), a not-for-profit entity that seeks to explore new dimensions on showcasing and building economic partnerships between India and its Diaspora.

Executed by Manish Kumar, MD and CEO, NSDC and Abhay Aggarwal, Secretary General, PIOCCI, the non-commercial agreement illustrates collaboration between the parties to support skilling initiatives and enhance India's soft power along with work on various opportunities nationally and overseas locations. The agreement also lays importance on placements for skilled Indian youth abroad, including placement support and leveraging industry connect.

"NSDC emphasises standardization and high-quality skill training to create a world-class workforce. This collaboration will strengthen our efforts by mapping skill gaps in various countries, identifying gainful job opportunities overseas," said Kumar.

"Working closely with reputed entrepreneurs and Indian diaspora associations in more than 150 countries, PIOCCI aims to act as a bridge to connect and catalyse a regular interaction with the diaspora to seek employment opportunities for skilled Indian youth," added Aggarwal.

PIOCCI has been serving India's engagement and partnership with the diaspora in areas of investment, trade and commerce, tourism, healthcare, climate change, anti-terrorism, industries, agriculture, water and sanitation, and infrastructure, with a focus on emboldening India's new policies and schemes such as Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Swachh Bharat Mission, Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, and Namami Gange towards strengthening bilateral relations with countries of Indian Diaspora strength and improved socio-economic development in India.

NSDC, with the support of its training partners and Sector Skill Councils, will carry outreach programmes for skill training and development of the youth to match requirements of international organisations and will further leverage industry connects such as the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), India International Skill Centres (IISC) to send trained youth abroad.

Further, NSDC will work with PIOCCI to understand skill gaps in various countries and the skill requirements to bring about a significant qualitative improvement in the skill development training programs in India. This would also help in knowledge exchange to facilitate development programs for trainees, trainers and assessors.

The partnership will also help in mobilsing funds for the skill ecosystem including co-investment in setting up skill institutes, skill universities, Centre of Excellence, entrepreneurship programs, and other skilling initiatives.