Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship talks to Sangeeta Yadav about their upcoming programmes, setting up of Multi Skill Training Institutes and the comprehensive amendments made to the Apprentices Act 1961 with effect from December 2014
The Budget sanctioned this year for skill development and entrepreneurship looks very promising.
The Budget for skill development is highly encouraging for us. We’ll be creating 1,500 Multi Skill Training Institutes (MSTIs) which will basically be the new generation Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) set up in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. These will be set up in those blocks and districts of the country which are yet to focus on skill development.
To achieve our target of skilling one crore youth over the next three years under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), we are setting up model skill centres in over 500 districts in the country. The continuity in tax benefits available under section 35CCD to training institutes till 2020 is also encouraging to the skill ecosystem.
What do you have to say about the formation of the National Skill Certification BoardIJ
It will see representation from both Government and industry which will collectively enable a joint framework for quality skill assessment and will further strengthen the ecosystem. We’ll work to deliver entrepreneurship, education and training in 2,200 colleges, 300 schools, 500 Government ITIs and 50 vocational training centres. Aspiring entrepreneurs will be connected to mentors and credit markets.
Has the employability scenario improved over the yearsIJ
Employability is a concern across industries. With the advent of new technology and new job roles, there is continuous need for skilling, up-skilling and re-skilling. We have to upgrade our workforce to the industry’s requirement. The focus has to be on a job-ready workforce which is equipped to handle the mandate from day one of their work in any organisation.
What are the ways in which large number of candidates can be employed in varied industriesIJ
It is quintessential that under-graduate programmes are evolved to being more job-centric and there is a focus on vocational education and training, beginning from the school level. The standards in education and training need to see an overhaul which we’ve proposed through the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).
Tell us about the hiring prospectsIJ
The current incremental human resource requirement in the country, till 2022, is of 109 million across 24 key sectors, out of which top 10 sectors like construction and real estate, retail, transportation and logistics, beauty and wellness etc constitute for about 80 per cent of the required workforce. It’s a very ambitious goal for all.
What is the biggest hindrance in skilling IndiaIJ
The biggest challenge for us right now is creating aspiration in the youth for skills and bridging the gap between demand and supply. To skill 40.2 crore people by 2022 requires strong synergies with the stakeholders and a conducive environment to be built for all to boost skill development. The industry needs to step forward and start recognising and thus, hiring the skilled workforce.
Moreover, the mindset of all, especially parents of our youth, needs to change that just a degree won’t help one in getting a job. It’s equally important to be skilled in order to be efficient and result-oriented. A skill certificate can be the certificate to a successful career and a good life.
How is the Apprenticeship Amendment Act (2014) beneficialIJ
After the comprehensive amendment of the Apprentices Act 1961 in December 2014, the Act has been made more responsive to industry and youth. Employers will now have to engage apprentices from the strength of 2.5 per cent minimum, to up to 10 per cent of their total work force. The number of apprentices in the country has increased from 2.7 lakh to 3.1 lakh in the past one year. On site inspection has been done away with and companies are now allowed to do self-assessment. A fine is now levied instead of imprisonment in case the company does not engage with apprenticeship. The industry can introduce optional trades, beyond the 259 designated trades under this Act.
Companies operating in four or more states can now work directly with the central authorities and companies can also outsource basic theoretical/classroom training. Third Party Agencies (TPA) can be used for getting apprentices for training and a new scheme of Apprentice Protsahan Yojana has been started for incentivising apprenticeship in MSMEs.
We’ve also ensured that 50 per cent share of the stipend will be shared by Government. Industry is no more limited to follow the ratio which is mentioned trade wise for apprentices. Graduates and postgraduates of Arts, Science and Commerce can also undergo apprenticeship training. It has also been extended to the service sector. Apprenticeship stipend is linked to minimum wages of the semi-skilled worker of the State.
What’s happening at the entrepreneurship frontIJ
Entrepreneurship will be a key element in India’s future. We’ve recently announced a scheme called Udhyamita through which we will educate and equip potential and early age entrepreneurs.
What are the upcoming programmes in the pipelineIJ
Some of the proposed initiatives to scale up existing skill training initiatives include setting up of 7,000 new ITIs to enhance seats to the tune of 25 lakh and creation of model skill development centres in every Parliamentary Constituency; establishment of 1,500 MSTIs in unserved blocks and areas with active participation of industries; setting up of network of community radios across the country to promote Skill India mission. We are also focussing on upgradation of ITIs for adoption of ISO certification and industry partnership in development of Corporate Skill Development Centres.
There will be Mobile Training Vans in rural areas to implement training at the grassroots.We are also setting up labour Management Information System and aggregation for Training Partners along with Training Centres and Courses. Two new World Bank Projects have also been approved. This includes Skills Strengthening For Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) project to revitalise the ITI ecosystem and Skill Training for Employability leveraging Public Private Partnership (STEPPP), which will be implemented in mission mode through World Bank support to achieve the objectives laid down in the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM).