(a) the details of the progress of implementation of the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF);
(b) whether there is system of Recognition of Prior Learning as envisaged in the NSQF;
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY)
(a) The National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) is implemented through the National Skills Qualifications Committee (NSQC), which comprises of representatives from key central Ministries concerned with skill development, State representatives from three State Skill Development Missions (nominated by rotation every year), and sectoral representatives, depending on the sector in question – including the concerned administrative Ministry, regulatory bodies, training providers, Sector Skill Councils. The details of the progress of implementation of the NSQF are given at Annexure-I.
(b) & (c) Yes, Madam. Millions of people in India acquire skills through non-formal channels. Without any formal certification of their skills, these people are constrained to market their skills in the limited geographies and communities that know of them by word of mouth. NSQF allows all such skills to be tested and certified. This process, known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will enable the millions of experientially skilled to be able to derive proposer economic and social benefits of their skills.
(d) The National Skill Development Agency has launched pilots on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in four sectors- Agriculture, Domestic Work, Healthcare and Gems and Jewellery. A separate pilot for the construction sector by the DGET has been initiated as well.
Simultaneously a number of other agencies also initiated RPL projects in the recent months, and on the initiative of NSDA through a workshop organized on 16th February, 2015 with the stakeholders, has been proposed to formulate guidelines which is under finalization.
Annexure-I
Details of the progress of implementation of the NSQF
a) Increasing awareness about the NSQF through State Level and Other Capacity Building Engagements:
Consultative workshops/meetings have been conducted with various State Governments and other stakeholders to familiarise them with the issues relating to NSQF, and the modalities of implementing the NSQF at the State level. All the States have been requested to expedite the implementation of NSQF.
b) Recognition of Prior Learning
The National Skill Development Agency has launched pilots on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in four sectors- Agriculture, Domestic Work, Healthcare and Gems and Jewellery. A separate pilot for the construction sector by the DGET has been initiated as well.
c) Engagements with Institutions of Higher Learning
The NSDA has been organising series of brainstorming sessions/workshops with some of the reputed universities/institutions of higher learning along with the key regulatory authorities such as the UGC, AICTE, CBSE and NIOS. The objective of these workshops is to define the competencies of qualifications in terms of the level descriptors in the NSQF for diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor degrees, masters degrees etc. being awarded by these institutions.
d) Alignment of NCVT Courses to the NSQF
NSDA has also initiated the process of aligning the NCVT courses under the Ministry of Labour and Employment with the NSQF by populating the Qualifications Register. The process has begun for the three most popular trades under NCVT, namely – Fitter, Turner and Electrician. International experts from the India-EU Skill Development Project are also working closely with the NSDA in this regard.
e) Equivalence with International Frameworks
In keeping with the PM’s vision of having an India that is able to export skilled manpower to the rest of the world, the NSDA has initiated the process to establish equivalence between the NSQF and the European Qualification Framework, so that persons who have been certified against the NSQF will be able to seek skilled job opportunities in the countries that adopt the EQF.
f) Capacity Building
The India – EU skill Development Project has developed a training programme comprising of 12 modules covering the most important dimensions and elements of managing the NSQF. The EU Team will train the identified officials from the institution chosen for this training programme which will empower them to deliver such trainings in future to other stakeholders on need basis. The first session of the training programme took place from 18th-20th February 2015 in New Delhi