Sharda panel slams centre’s skill development scheme, says ‘well-defined’ role missing

Launched in July 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme — with a corpus of Rs 6,000 crore, aimed at training 2.4 million youth in the first phase — is marred with overlaps in roles and responsibilities across some of its departments.

The skill development programme has not only failed to position itself in the right place but has also faltered in establishing the exact role of the industry, government agencies and other stakeholders, a government-appointed committee has observed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the exhibition on the National Skill Development Mission, in New Delhi on July 15, 2015.(Virendra Singh Gosain/Hindustan Times)

“The skill ecosystem is still emerging and has not taken a final shape in terms of positioning and exact role of and responsibility of participating institutions with well-defined processes and functions, considering various best international and national practices in skill domain,” said the five-member committee headed by Sharda Prasad, former director general of general employment and training in the ministry of labour and employment. The report was made public last Thursday.

Launched in July 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme — with a corpus of Rs 6,000 crore, aimed at training 2.4 million youth in the first phase — is marred with overlaps in roles and responsibilities across some of its departments.

The committee has suggested a merger of a majority of 40 sector skill councils (SSCs) running skill development centres to half their numbers.

In another serious observation, the report has pointed at apparent overlaps across formations such as the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), National Skill Development Authority (NSDA), National Skill Qualification committee (NSQC), National Council on Vocational Training (NCVT) and Directorate General of Training (DGT), and suggested that the ministry address such duplication.

On the dual role of institutions, the committee report hinted at the promoter verses regulator issue.

“An entity tasked to develop competencies should not participate in the examination of certification of the same competencies. An SSC develops competency and also tests and certifies the competency in short term training courses. Same is happening in long term courses as well. For this we advice to set up National Board of Assessment & Certification by NCVT,” the report stated.

The committee report stated that skill development cannot happen without developing a credible, sound, aspirational, national system, which is quality assured and internationally compatible.