With an eye on future growth, NSDC has been instrumental in preparing India’s youth for the future of work
Words by Ved Mani Tiwari
As a principal architect of India’s skilling ecosystem, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is implementing various govt initiatives and schemes to prepare the youth for their employability. With the collaboration of governments, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals’ foreign entities, NSDC under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is committed to train and equip young Indians with industry-relevant skills in its endeavour to bridge skill gaps in India and the world.
Measuring the effectiveness of the NSDC initiatives in preparing youth for employment, we are constantly evaluating several key performance indicators like enrolment and certification numbers, industry partnerships and collaborations, international mobility, and opportunities to meet the aspirations of India’s youth.
One of the key initiatives of MSDE is Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). Since its launch by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on July 15, 2015, PMKVY has been implemented nationwide through NSDC, enrolling over 1.42 crore students, training more than 1.36 crore, and certifying over 1.08 crore in the past seven years. Additionally, we have established around 719 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs) across 707 districts in 36 states and Union Territories, providing a robust infrastructure for skill development.
To create overseas employment opportunities for skilled professionals, we launched NSDC International. By working closely with the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian Missions abroad, NSDC International promotes India as a rich reservoir of skilled talent. It collaborates with state skill missions and other departments to source candidates and facilitate their mobility. Initiatives like TEJAS and TITP further bolster our efforts to establish India as the Skill Hub of the World.
Over the years, NSDC has built strong partnerships with the private sector. Collaborations with organizations like the British Asian Trust, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, HSBC India, JSW Foundation, Dubai Cares, FCDO (UK Government), and USAID have led to innovative projects like the Skill India Impact Bond. This first-of-its-kind bond aims to support 50,000 young people in India over four years, with 60% being women and girls, creating a holistic and inclusive skill ecosystem.
The impact of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
India, with its diverse demographics, is continuously striving to bridge the skill gaps, that it faces. Recognizing this challenge, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, aims to offer market-based skill training across various sectors, from agriculture to healthcare, retail to hospitality, ensuring that no sector is left behind. Since its inception in 2015, PMKVY has embodied India’s aspirations by empowering the youth with relevant tools, training, and opportunities to thrive in today’s competitive world, having a profound impact on the landscape of skill development in India.
PMKVY has successfully implemented three versions: PMKVY 1.0 (2015-16), PMKVY 2.0 (2016-2020), and PMKVY 3.0 (2020-2022). Building on this success, the government is now implementing the fourth phase, PMKVY 4.0, which places increased emphasis on addressing the existing skill gap by aligning industry demands and market requirements. The current version of the scheme, PMKVY 4.0 focuses on three key pillars: on-job training, stronger industry partnerships, and new-age courses. The scheme introduces courses and skilling programmes in diverse fields such as AI, blockchain, mobile repairing, vehicle maintenance, and management to cater to the aspirations of the youth.
The PMKVY scheme offers skill-based training to youth nationwide through two components: Short-Term Training (STT) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). STT certified candidates receive assistance in finding suitable job placements, while RPL focuses on recognizing and validating the existing skills of individuals and is not directly linked to job placements. This recognition not only boosts the confidence of individuals but also validates their expertise in the eyes of employers.
PMKVY has made skill development accessible to diverse groups, including women, underprivileged communities, and differently abled individuals. Special initiatives under the scheme have ensured that these groups receive targeted support, thereby promoting inclusivity. In addition to employment, PMKVY has also encouraged entrepreneurship by providing training in various entrepreneurial skills. Many beneficiaries have started their own ventures, contributing to economic growth and job creation in their communities.
NSDC’s plans for expanding reach and impact
NSDC has been constantly laying down strategic visions to significantly expand its reach and impact in the coming years, aiming to revolutionize India’s skill development landscape. Central to our plans is the expansion of training infrastructure across the nation. We are committed to establishing a robust network of training centers, ITIs and NSTIs ensuring accessibility even in remote regions. Leveraging digital platforms will be pivotal, facilitating online and blended learning models to cater to diverse learning needs.
Collaboration with industry leaders remains a cornerstone of our strategy. By forging strong partnerships, NSDC intends to develop industry-relevant training programmes that meet the evolving demands of various sectors. This approach ensures that our trainees acquire skills that are directly applicable and in high demand in the job market. Innovation is also a key to our approach, and we will continue to launch pioneering programmes tailored to emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and green technologies. These initiatives will equip our workforce with the skills needed to excel in future-oriented industries, enhancing India’s competitiveness on a global scale.
Inclusivity has been an article of faith, and we are dedicated to making our programmes more accessible to all segments of society, with a particular focus on women, differently abled individuals, and economically disadvantaged groups. Targeted initiatives will address unique challenges faced by these groups, ensuring equitable access to skill development opportunities.
Enhancing apprenticeship and entrepreneurship programmes is another priority area for us. NSDC aims to strengthen these initiatives, providing hands-on experience and real-world exposure to our trainees. This approach bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, making our graduates more job-ready upon completion of their training. Also, by providing them with proper entrepreneurial training we can transform them from job seekers to job providers, making them a force to reckon with.
We are also striving to match up our skill training programmes with international standards. Moreover, by collaborating with international organizations, NSDC is seeking to adopt global best practices and focus on skill mapping and standards. This will enable us to offer globally recognized certifications, thereby enhancing the employability of our trainees both domestically and internationally.
The author is Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC, and MD of NSDCI
